A developer has bought a former Royal British Legion (RBL) social club in Suffolk that has become a hotspot for vandalism since closing in 2020.

Demolition work has begun on the derelict premises, known as Goyfield House, in Mill Lane, Felixstowe, this week, with contractors removing lumps of concrete blocking the driveway and felling shrubs and trees behind the building, while fences have been put up around the property.

The bulldozers had been set to move in last year after the site became a target for vandals who caused a nuisance for nearby residents.

READ MORE: Felixstowe: £1m RBL site under offer as demolition agreed

There had been a number of break-ins, graffiti and damage since the legion closed, with police and council officers regularly called to the site.

The club closed after declining membership left it in a precarious position financially. It had been in operation for nearly 90 years, dating back to the 1930s.

READ MORE: Suffolk: Royal British Legion site still on the market

It was a favourite place for former servicemen to meet up socially and had more than 200 members and its bar was highly popular.

It was open to people outside the forces, too and the management had been aiming to make it an attractive venue for younger people.

The 1.6-acre site had been earmarked for up to 30 new homes, with agents Lamb & Swift marketing the property for £1 million.

READ MORE: Felixstowe news

A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion said: “The former RBL premises in Felixstowe is currently under demolition. The RBL has agreed to sell the property to a developer who we expect will shortly submit a planning application.”

READ MORE: Suffolk news