Campaigners have won their battle for a disused power station to be demolished.

Council bosses have confirmed they are looking for a contractor to bulldoze Broomgrove Power Station, Hastings, described as a blot on the landscape by residents.

The derelict building in Fellows Road was the scene of a huge fire in May after being set alight by arsonists, and many residents had to be evacuated from their homes.

The blaze caused a fall-out of potentially-lethal asbestos over the surrounding area and, although this later proved to be harmless, residents have fought to see the building destroyed.

Owners St Saviours Crescent Developers sold the building to Hastings Borough Council in August, which promised swift action to make the site safe.

Now it has been confirmed a shortlist of contractors skilled enough to demolish the station have been sent out to tenders.

Council leader Jeremy Birch said: "We have to be absolutely sure the contractor we are choosing is the right one. Demolishing a power station known to contain asbestos in the heart of a residential area is a highly sophisticated task."

Local resident Joyce Avery said: "I think the fact people had a go at the council must have had some effect. As far as the residents here are concerned it cannot be demolished soon enough."