Workmen have finished knocking down a charity shop in Dereham hit by fire last December.

Eastern Daily Press: Demolition work has been completed on the former Pact charity shop in Dereham.Demolition work has been completed on the former Pact charity shop in Dereham. (Image: Archant)

The Pact animal charity shop in Norwich Street, Dereham, had remained shrouded in scaffolding and without a roof since the December 6 fire, which saw 11 fire crews battle to stop the flames spreading.

Eastern Daily Press: Demolition work has been completed on the former Pact charity shop in DerehamDemolition work has been completed on the former Pact charity shop in Dereham (Image: Archant)

An initial phase of demolition work was carried out last weekend after bricks started falling from the building.

Eastern Daily Press: Demolition work at the PACT charity shop in Dereham started early on Saturday February 2. This was the scene at 3.30pm on Saturday.Demolition work at the PACT charity shop in Dereham started early on Saturday February 2. This was the scene at 3.30pm on Saturday. (Image: Archant)

The rest of the structure has now been removed, leaving an empty site which is now fenced off.

Last month owner Basil Todd warned that the site was 'in a very dangerous state' and 'there is five tonnes of rubble sitting precariously on top of one column.'

But he said he had needed written permission from the council to take it down.

Speaking last week, Mr Todd said: 'We had a collapse last night. Some of the brick collapsed into the street. They have demolished it enough to make it safe.

'At least the site is safe now. We have been worrying about something like this happening.

'I must admit I was worrying about it for six weeks as it had been quite precarious. I'm pleased it's out of the way now. I will sleep easier tonight.'

Mr Todd said that because of the fire, Breckland Council had told him to resubmit his planning application for a £1m residential and commercial redevelopment of the Norwich Street site. He said the plans would be resubmitted shortly.

He said the Mariners fish and chip, which has been closed since the fire, will not be reopening soon because of problems with electrics, water and gas, as well as 'several other issues there', and it would be part of the overall redevelopment.