Demolition of eyesore flats will boost town

It follows a campaign by residents and councillors in Johnstone to tear down the eyesore flats in Craigdonald Place, which had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

Yesterday approval was given for a contractor to begin the job of demolition with an estimated cost of 200,000.

Councillor Tommy Williams, convener of Renfrewshire Council's Housing Policy Board, said: "These flats have long been an eyesore and I'm pleased to announce that demolition will start on May 15."

The Evening Times reported in December how opposition Johnstone councillor Andy Doig had accused Renfrewshire Council of dragging its feet over the demolition.

Councillor Doig has now welcomed the decision by Renfrewshire Council's Procurement Sub Committee to authorise the contract for demolition.

He added: "Issues with the Craigdonald Flats were identified by the last SNP led administration in June 2010, and the consensus at that time was that given both the cost of investment needed to bring them up to an acceptable standard, and the fact that even then this would be no guarantee of their long term sustainability, it was agreed that demolition would be the best solution.

"Over recent years the process had been held up due to the reluctance of one owner to settle with the council, and in that period the flats sadly became a focus both for vermin, and for anti- social behaviour and fire-raising, causing much anguish to Johnstone town centre constituents.

"I have consistently raised the need for action to be taken so I am delighted that the demolition is moving forward.

"Johnstone town centre has great potential and I believe the removal of the flats will herald new opportunities for further investment in the town by business, or possible use of the site for new housebuilding.

"This will bring more people into the town which, in turn, will help town centre traders to remain viable so this is another step to a new powerhouse Johnstone."

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Demolition of eyesore flats will boost town