CONCERNS over a bat colony possibly roosting inside a prominent derelict building have delayed its demolition.

Winterfield Pagoda, also known as Winterfield Pavilion, was earmarked for demolition late last year.

It is not thought the animals are roosting inside the pavilion, in Winterfield Park, but experts will check before any demolition can take place.

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council said: “The council has given approval for the demolition of the Winterfield Pavilion and a date for the works will be set when concerns over a possible bat colony inhabiting the building are checked out.

“Advice from our in-house expert is that the building is unlikely to be a good roost for bats, as the area is too exposed and has insufficient feeding opportunities: however, to comply with legislation, works will not commence until the council is satisfied that there are no bats roosting in the building.”

The pavilion was created in the 1920s as a Pierrot stage facility for summer entertainment.

Twelve months ago, it was revealed the building was under threat and a paper was prepared by East Lothian Council looking at its future.

The recommendation was for the pavilion, which was converted in the 1960s into a shower and toilet block to serve a static and touring caravan park, to be demolished.

The building has been unused for at least 20 years and has suffered from vandalism.

It was fenced off ahead of the then First Minister Alex Salmond’s opening of the 134-mile John Muir Way, which is visible from the park.

Jacquie Bell, one of the town’s community councillors, was saddened that it had reached the stage where the building would be torn down.

She said it had become too dangerous and there were no viable propositions coming forward.

The options paper prepared last year looked at a range of possibilities, with all bar demolition ruled out.

That included simply doing nothing with the building, which was deemed “not an option”, while the idea of making the pavilion wind and watertight while looking for a new use was also ruled out.

Once the building is demolished, the area will be grassed rather than finished with tarmac, at the request of Friends of Winterfield, who were among those consulted about the building’s future.