One of Fenland’s biggest eyesores will be knocked down in an attempt to tackle crime and anti-social problems at the site and regenerate the surrounding area.

Fenland District Council has approved the demolition the former Ogden’s indoor market in Acre Road, March - timber hoardings will be put up in its place.

In the application, owner Owen Kirk, founder of house builders Cannon Kirk, said the entire area “has significant potential for enhancement and could deliver an important riverside link”.

He added that by demolishing the buildings and fencing it off it the site will be secured against anti social behaviour “whilst not compromising its likely future contribution to the wider regeneration of the area”.

The site is in the March Conservation Area but FDC said demolition was acceptable since the buildings are of “limited architectural or historical merit” and it would “secure the site from further anti-social problems”.

Before the demolition begins, all of the buildings including roof coverings will be checked for the presence of bats and nesting birds - if any protected species are found, work will stop.