WORK to transform a former primary school building from a charred wreck into flats will begin in weeks.

Planning permission has been granted to create 39 flats on the site of Harwich Primary School, in Main Road, Dovercourt.

The building went up in flames in May last year, leaving 80 per cent of the roof destroyed and the ground floor severely damaged.

Ace Demolition, which is charged with knocking down the building, confirmed work was to start in two or three weeks.

Spokesman Chris Bishop said: “The demolition will take around eight weeks and fencing will be going up in the next fortnight.”

Lawrie Payne, councillor for Harwich East ward, was worried about the health and safety risks of the building and said he was pleased work was beginning.

He said: “It’s been long overdue. The site has been a danger for young people getting in there and for future fires. I have been trying to get it cleared up and find out what is going on for ages, so to hear that work is about to begin makes me extremely happy.”

Harwich Community Primary School moved to new premises in Barrack Lane in 2003.