A COUNCILLOR is calling for the owner of a former garage that has become a regular target for firebugs and flytippers to take action.

Last week, yobs set tyres and metal containers alight at the former Benston Service Station, in Beith Road.

Residents living near the site have branded it a dangerous eyesore. However, it is unclear who owns the land, once occupied by Beith Road Tyres.

Councillor John Hood, who represents Johnstone South and Elderslie, has vowed to track down the owner to ask for security to be tightened or for the site to be developed.

He said: “I have had constituents coming to me about this site for years.

“People regularly dump tyres there. It’s a nightmare. It should either be reopened as a garage or used as a development site.

“It has so much potential and I will be looking into who owns the land so I can urge them to fix it.”

Councillor Andy Steel, who represents the same ward, added: “I was disappointed to read of the fire damage to the old tyre business on Beith Road.

“It’s the responsibility of the owner to ensure the premises are securely maintained and I hope they will undertake any necessary work to avoid a repeat of these incidents in future.”