It's taken three years but workmen are finally back at the site of an 18th century Sydenham pub developers partially demolished without consent.

Developer Purelake knocked down Kirkdale's Greyhound pub in 2012, leaving just the front wall intact and leading to their prosecution by Lewisham Council and a campaign to get the pub back up and running.

The company had previously gained permission to build flats on the site, along with redeveloping the pub itself.

Finally, yesterday, work appears to have begun on the pub after a programme of work was agreed between Purelake and Lewisham Council.

Chairman of the Sydenham Society Annabel McLaren said: "It's a relief, certainly, to see the workmen there.

"I think everybody in the community is delighted to see work has begun."

Ms McLaren, who hopes the pub could be open by Christmas, said workmen were busy tidying up the site, which had become a "real state".

And hoardings which, back in 2012, hid the demolition have now been taken down, allowing people to keep a closer eye on progress.

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She said: "With a bit of pressure all round, they finally have come back. We're very much hoping they'll stick with the building work and build it out according to the planning permission they received in 2010."

Councillor Liam Curran, who campaigned for the pub to continue, said: "It's great that they're on site and beginning the process of rebuilding the Greyhound and brining a major community asset back into use.

"But I'd also say that, until it's actually rebuilt and open and operating, we're going to be cautious about the implications of them starting work this week."

He added: "It's a tribute to the whole community who all pulled together and campaigned. They got together and showed what they can do, with the support of the council."

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Lewisham Council says the work includes includes carrying out repair works to the building fabric and installing a new roof.

The news comes after Westminster City Council made headlines by ordering a developer to rebuild a west London pub brick by brick after it was demolished while under consideration for listed status.