The unsightly remains of a seafront arcade that has sat vacant for years could finally be demolished by the end of the year.

Plans to flatten the former Neptune’s Amusements site in Central Parade, Herne Bay, were given the green light in April, to the delight of local business owners who branded the structure a “dangerous eyesore”.

The work to scrub the building - which has become a target for vandals, fly-tippers and arsonists - from the landscape was originally scheduled to begin by the beginning of June.

But issues stemming from environmental conditions placed on the developer, Mile Property Group, by Canterbury City Council have pushed the project six months behind schedule.

Company director Michael Keckes told KentOnline: “There’s been some vandalism and people dumping stuff on the site.

“It’s been causing us and local residents a lot of problems.

“We just want to make the site safe.

“We now hope to have the site cleared by the end of this year.”

Separate proposals to build a block of high-end flats and ground-floor shops in place of the derelict structure continue to remain on hold.

It was one of a number of projects across the district to have been stalled by the discovery of high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous at the Stodmarsh nature reserve on the outskirts of Canterbury.

As Mr Keckes continues to wait for that problem to be resolved, he is considering renting the space to an outdoor food vendor once the old arcade is knocked down.

“I think any changes will be better than what is there now,” he added.

“I’m not saying it will definitely happen, that we will do that, but the changes will make it better and that will benefit local people and businesses.”

But Hassan Hassan, who runs nearby businesses Makcari’s and Captain Jack’s, is opposed to the idea, believing it would “downgrade the area if food vans” moved onto the site.

Despite this, he is keen for the former amusements to be demolished.

“It will help clean the place up,” he said.

“It’s an eyesore and as soon as there’s a bit of wind it becomes very dangerous.

“Even just being cleared it will be a million times better.

“It’s amazing no one’s been hurt.”