Preparations are ramping up ahead of the imminent demolition of run-down housing in Paisley – strides that have been welcomed by an elected member.
Caskie will shortly bulldoze eight blocks of empty Renfrewshire Council properties in Foxbar’s Waverley Road after it was appointed to complete the job towards the end of last year.
The company, which landed the £193,000 contract, has started the necessary work to take over the site ahead of the process of knocking down the specific properties.
Councillor Stephen Burns, an SNP representative for Paisley Southwest, said he was “delighted” to see progress at a location that has become a problem spot.
He said: “This part of Waverley Road has become a bit of a derelict area, so I’m glad to see that the beginning of the project is now edging ever closer.
“The properties have 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 due course and improved for the people who are living in the area. It should make a huge difference.”
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.
A council spokesperson said: “Work is progressing to demolish properties on Waverley Road in Foxbar as part of the wider housing regeneration and renewal plans for the area.
“Caskie Limited have been appointed to carry out the works at 38 to 52 Waverley Road and have started the necessary preparations to take over the site ahead of demolition starting. The demolition work is expected to take 24 weeks to complete.
“The wider regeneration plans for the Waverley Road area will take place on a phased basis over the next few years.
“In addition to the demolition works taking place the area will be transformed with improvements planned for the retained blocks at numbers 18 to 32 to make them more energy efficient and engagement will also take place with the local community to capture their views on a neighbourhood plan for the area.”
Don’t miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here