DEMOLITION work has begun at the site of a derelict supermarket where a new Clevedon hospital had been planned before the scheme was scrapped.

Workmen moved on to the land at Millcross this week to begin clearing the buildings on it, including the former Kwik Save supermarket.

The project, which is expected to take four weeks to complete, has been organised by NHS North Somerset which bought the site in 2010 in preparation for a new community hospital to be built.

The organisation believes clearing the land will save it £54,000 in annual maintenance and security costs and also hopes it will improve the outlook for nearby residents.

The site, which has been the target for a number of thieves and vandals over the past year, will remain enclosed by hoarding during and after the demolition and security patrols in the area will continue.

NHS North Somerset has also said it will continue to maintain the green space and trees around it.

When the decision was made to scrap the new hospital project in July, concerns were raised about the future of the Millcross site, which has remained derelict for some time.

The land is still owned by NHS North Somerset, which is currently looking into options for the future of hospital services in Clevedon and North Somerset.

NHS North Somerset project director Ben Bennett said: “Although we have yet to formally decide on the future of the Millcross site, the demolition of the now derelict Kwik Save building is a sensible option regardless of the future use of the site as it will reduce costs and improve security.”