Owners of The Pet Shop and The R&A Hughes card shop are fed-up of waiting for the derelict structure and sea of shutters to be torn down at the rear of Houston Square.

The former New Life Church building, which once housed the job centre, also sits in virtual ruin just yards from the shops and just a stone’s throw from where the new £14.5million Johnstone town hall lies.

The forlorn structure’s murky brown colour and crumbling brick facade are in stark contrast to the modern town hall, which looks stunning with its striking glass-fronted exterior.

Robert Hughes, owner of the R&A Hughes card and gift shop nearby, said the empty shops and shutters have been spoiling the image of the arcade for years.

A contract carried out by Rosemount Properties has been let for the demolition of the church and canopies of the shops, but there is no date set for when the works will commence.

Stacey Thomson, owner of The Pet Shop and secretary of Johnstone Business Consortium, did not mince her words and said: “Cut the crap and just get the work done.

“We received a letter in May saying work was going to start, but still nothing.” A church building near the four remaining shops, which is managed by Rosemount Properties on behalf of the London-based Alwyd Limited, has lain empty for more than eight years and many fear it is nothing more than a magnet for rats and other vermin.

The four remaining shops situated within the arcade include The Pet Shop, Card Shop, a Boots Pharmacy and the newly opened Cancer Research Shop.

Traders who work and own the shops say the feel their businesses could benefit more if there was further investment into the appearance of the local area.

Stacey continued: “As far as we’re aware it’s the canopies and the old church building which will be coming down along with the two towers.

“The actual Co-op building wasn’t too be touched other than to do good for demolition works up above it, I’ve been told the old Co-op building will stay where it is.

“However it’s hard to trust what Rosemount properties are saying because we keep being told dates of when the demolition will start and months later it still hasn’t happened.

“There’s no faith whatsoever. But the sooner this gets done, the sooner the people of Johnstone will be happy as well.” Gordon Patrick, of Rosemount Properties, predicted work would start in around two to three weeks time but said there had been “practical problems” on site.

He added: “We are looking to start the demolition and are working closely with Renfrewshire Council to ensure the project begins imminently.” Cllr Derek Bibby, who represents the area, said he had spoken to the agent and hopes work begins promptly.

He said: “I have clarified that the proposed demolition that is being managed by Rosemount Properties refers to the vacant New Life Church Building and the canopies on either side of the thoroughfare that goes between Ludovic and Houston Square.

“Having called for action in respect of the empty buildings next to the state of the art town hall, I welcome this news.

“This is a good start to improving the area nearby to be more in keeping with what Johnstone folk rightly expect from their town centre.

“There is a feel good factor within the town and the news that work on the precinct is due soon will help to sustain it.” Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan, who backed a campaign to have the buildings demolished ahead of the town hall development, said: “The award-winning town hall building represents a huge step forward in the regeneration of Johnstone and it has done much to transform the look of the town centre. So it’s welcome news that something is now being done with the empty buildings adjacent to the town hall, which will support the council’s investment and breathe some new life into the area.”