A TOWN centre landmark will disappear for good within the next two weeks.

Builders have been removing parts of the former Kilrie children's home for the past month and the building, which was built in 1892, will finally be demolished next month.

Last week Ken Whittaker, of developers Seddon Homes, said the work was going according to plan.

"The building is carefully being dismantled and many of the parts that are being removed are being recycled such as the roof tiles," he said.

But the fate of the dome, a striking feature on top of the main building, is unknown.

"I'm not sure what has happened to that," he said. "It has been removed but it was a very old feature and I'm not sure if it has been salvaged.

"The dome on the coach house is still in place and will remain, but a lot of the leadware has been stolen which is a shame."

After months of speculation about when work would start on the new development in Northwich Road, bulldozers moved in last month.

But it has been a careful process as the Victorian building has retained many of its features including Flemish gables and Edwardian windows.

Once the site has been cleared 23 homes will be built in 12 months.

Meanwhile, it emerged this week that 10 people who were abused at the former care home had now been awarded damages by Cheshire County Council.

The men and women, many of whom still live in Cheshire, were abused between 1979 and 1990.

Most were victims of paedophile Bruce McLean who was jailed for nine years in 1997 after he was convicted of indecently assaulting 10 youngsters.

In January Cheshire County Council settled out of court with six of the victims and now 10 have been compensated.

"There have now been 16 claims," said a spokesman. "Ten have now been settled, four have been withdrawn, two are continuing and two did not fulfil the criteria.

"Obviously this situation is ongoing so the figures will change in time."

It is believed the victims have so far cost the council £84,000.