A HISTORIC column in Alloa is luckily still standing following the unauthorised demolition of Carsebridge House last month.

The Napoleon column, located adjacent to the 18th century stately home, is reportedly one of only two in the world.

Fears were lodged after Carsebridge House was demolished by Advance Construction, without receiving planning permission by the council.

Residents voiced their concern that the column had also been lost in the destruction, carried out following a fire to the vacant Carsebridge House in August.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I had heard of the Napoleon column and I’d been to have a look at it.

“When I heard that the company had bulldozed the house, I had imagined the column might have got in the way and become part of the rubble as well.

“I was pleased that it had been saved.”

Clackmannanshire Council yesterday discussed their next move after Advance Construction demolished the house without approved planning permission.

The council unanimously agreed to consider a range of actions, including making a referral to the Procurator Fiscal, against Advance Construction.

Councillor Graham Lindsay said: “This building was of significant historical and architectural interest locally and nationally.

“While I appreciate that the building was in a poor condition following the devastating fire, and an application to demolish had been submitted, the demolition work had been carried out without consent of this council.

“Those responsible should be held fully to account.”