Just before the first blow was struck, it was discovered the electricity supply was still live - three years after the house went up in flames.

Only when the top brass from DGHP, a Dumfries and Galloway councillor, representatives from the community in Whithorn and members of the press were all standing by waiting for the demolition to begin at 13 The Park, was the problem discovered.

Margaret Herron, who is on the DGHP district managment committee, had been selected to start the demoltion. She said: "I was up on the machine ready to start and the thing was up on the roof when one of the men from the contractors came up to say the demolition wasn't to go ahead. I heard later from a DGHP offical that it was because the electricity was still connected."

An incredulous Mid Galloway Cllr Alastair Geddes, who was at the aborted ceremony could only splutter: "This beggars belief."

Fellow councillors Graham Nicol and Sandra McDowall were equally horrified. Mr Nicol said: "DGHP are becoming the 'Fawlty Towers' of social landlords. Questions must be asked why the electricty is still on after three years. If someone had gone into the house it could have been fatal. I'm just disappointed that this project willl be held up again. The people of Whithorn have waited long enough already."

Mrs McDowall added: "I would have thought that a house that was the subject of a fire would have had the electricity disconnected - this baffles me.

"In the interests of safety it should have been the first thing that was done. I just thing it's staggering this has happened and I will be interested to hear what DGHP have to say."

Secretary of Whithorn Community Council Francis O'Neill added: "I think that, after such a long wait of three years, to overlook such a basic issue as the power never having being turned off, besides being downright dangerous, is totally appalling. That such a basic precaution should have be overlooked is unforgiveable."

A spokesperson from DGHP said: "All services have been disconnected to the house for some time including, water, electricity etc. Scottish Power were contacted a number of weeks ago by the contractor to cut off electricity to the plot at the foot path, fairly normal procedure. The contract start date is as stated on the Monday, July 14th, for a period of 20 weeks and is still on programme. The demolition is due to progress this week on programme."