Demolition of 'derelict' council properties approved in Paisley

A major step has been taken towards the demolition of run-down housing in Paisley’s Foxbar after elected members rubber-stamped a key contract.

Caskie will bulldoze eight blocks of empty Renfrewshire Council properties in Waverley Road from early January after a £193,000 agreement was approved at Thursday’s finance, resources and customer services policy board.

The area is one of those covered by the housing-led renewal and regeneration programme, an investment aimed at delivering modern, high-quality, energy-efficient and affordable council housing in the local authority.

Councillor Stephen Burns, an SNP representative for Paisley Southwest, described the development as “good news” for the community.

He added: “I’m delighted to see this contract award authorised by the board because, as I’ve said before, it’s become a bit of a derelict area.

“It has suffered from graffiti, fires and other forms of vandalism, so demolition should hopefully put an end to these problems going forward.

“Obviously it will be good to see the street transformed in time and improved for the people who are living in the area.”

A report, which was considered by councillors at the meeting, shed some light on the background of this part of the project.

It explained: “This procurement exercise is for the appointment of a contractor to carry out the demolition and site clearance of properties 38-52 Waverley Road, Paisley.

“The Waverley Road area is one of eight within the council’s 10-year housing-led regeneration and renewal programme.

“Within Waverley Road, a total of 12 blocks have been approved for demolition and eight blocks are to be retained and receive enhanced investment.

“This report relates to the demolition of the first eight blocks at this location, which are fully council-owned and have been vacated.”

The works are expected to commence on Monday, January 6, and run until Friday, June 20.

However, any changes to these dates will be confirmed in the council’s letter of acceptance.

Councillor Kevin Montgomery, a Labour representative for Paisley Southwest, said: “I welcome the approval of this contract award.

“It’s overdue and it’s good to see something happen with this site because it’s been a problem area for some time.

“We will now hopefully see some of the environmental issues in the area being tackled.

“The overall programme should bring an improvement to the feel of the area for residents, which is important.”