Those living near the remaining shops in Hallhill Road, Spateston, say the current units are a “mess” and some are unhappy at the length of time taken for the work to start.

In May last year it was announced that half a million pounds would be invested into moving the remaining three shops, including Spateston Pharmacy and John’s Grocery shop, just metres across the road.

The move is part of a masterplan to regenerate the area following a community consultation.

But some feel the development is taking too long and concerns have been raised over its unsightly appearance.

One Spateston resident, who asked not to be named, said: “With a growing community and new houses being built nearby, residents deserve better.

“The remaining shops are doing their best and seem to be supported well by the local residents but the buildings above are desolate and the building work for the new shops seems to have taken far too long.

“The Gazette’s last article stated that work would continue until August/September — but progress is extremely slow.” Plans to completely close the remaining three shops had incensed the community after a number of local businesses shut down over the years.

Campaigners battled to save the shops amid controversial plans to relocate them to another area in Johnstone.

Grandmother Isobel Perry, of Corseford in Johnstone, was among the residents to be delighted over the plans — but is baffled over why they have to be moved across the road.

She said: “Years ago we had a hairdressers, a clothes shop, a bakers and a fruit and veg shop in Spateston, we only have three shops left just now so we were furious that there were plans to take them away.

“If they had taken away the Spateston shops entirely, the whole place would have been a ghost town. Elderly people need the Spateston chemist for prescriptions and some use the shops every day.

“It’s great news that we get to keep our shops. But I don’t really understand why they couldn’t just stay where they are. It’s a two-second walk.” Renfrewshire Council said there had been supply delays which had impacted the construction process, but estimated that the development will be completed in the next two months.

A spokesman added: “We are committed to the regeneration of Spateston and made a substantial financial commitment approaching £900,000 to demolish the existing Spateston Centre and to build three replacement shop units.

“Before this project began, there was a successful consultation with the exisiting shopkeepers and the local community. The community’s wish was to retain the existing shops until replacement shop units were in place.

“In the meantime, we are arranging a clean up of the area.” Stewart Russell, a member of Spateston Tenants and Residents Association, said the development was “vital” as plans for 100 homes in the local area are also under way.

He added: “We’re very pleased to hear this is now going ahead as it’s been a few years since it was first announced.

“Persimmon Homes are looking to build 100 houses in the area so there’s a definite need to keep our local shops.

“I received a letter from Cllr Iain McMillan who has said the shops should be completed in about four weeks now, which I think is great news.

“The shops were in a derelict state and we fought long and hard along with other people to get the shops kept in the area.

“I’m glad it’s finally now on the road to being completed.”