A campaign group behind efforts to save a Grade II-listed former seafront theatre has sought to allay concerns about the ongoing demolition of the building.

The Leas Pavilion in Folkestone is being redeveloped as part of a wider scheme of luxury apartments, valued at up to £935,000.

As part of the building process large parts of the historic structure are being torn down.

A number of residents have reacted with dismay to images showing the extent of the works.

But both the developers and the Friends of the Leas Pavilion (FLP) have responded to concerns by pointing out that the derelict nature of the building meant no other course was viable.

The FLP has issued a statement which it says is in reply to "much negativity, mainly on social media" following the beginning of the demolition phase of the project.

"We do agree that looking at the site now is somewhat scary and shocking," it says.

"For this reason Gustavia, the developers, last week invited one of our committee, Adrian Lockwood, who is himself a professional in the construction industry, to take a site visit to see for himself what is happening.

"When the Pavilion was originally built back in 1901 it was basically a large hole in the ground, which then had a roof put on it.

"Now that the roof and the unsalvageable shell - which was made so due to years of neglect - have been removed, it again looks like a large hole in the ground.

"What we must state, however, is that prior to the current demolition works all of the terracotta facing was meticulously numbered, removed, and stored, as were all of the stained glass panels, most of the original red bricks, coping stones, and all other items of architectural importance.

"We, the Friends, have complete confidence that we are in safe hands."

For many years, the former theatre was best known as the Leas Club - a hugely popular nightspot. But since its closure in 2007 the building has fallen into significant disrepair, suffering from water damage and timber decay.

Work began on the nine-storey residential development of flats overlooking the English Channel this summer.

Speaking to KentOnline in June, Selahattin Yalcin, a director at Gustavia, said the local community can be confident "one of the town’s oldest jewels" will be in safe hands.

Mr Yalcin said: "We're fully aware that the pavilion holds many happy memories for the people of Folkestone.

"The local community can rest assured those memories will survive as we carefully return this beautiful pavilion to its original form within a refurbished structure which will stand for another 100 years and more."