RENFREWSHIRE Council is being urged to take action after it came under fire for failing to promote the use of derelict buildings.
The local authority was criticised by the Scottish Government after it emerged it was struggling to redevelop and sell vacant sites in the area.
These include privately-owned “eyesore” buildings on the corner of Macdowall Street and High Street, in Johnstone, which have lain empty for years.
Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch, believes the derelict sites are hindering the success of local businesses.
READ MORE: Councillor praises move to allow councils to buy derelict land
He told The Gazette: “The council has been dragging its heels on delivering its vacant and derelict land strategy, as well as the promotion of the Johnstone town centre strategy, and is also failing to deliver on affordable housing targets.
“This report shows that the council has to up its game in relation to promoting the use of derelict and vacant land.
“In Johnstone, the top of Millbrae, the former Christian Mission in Millbrae and the former Knox and Finnie site in Macdowall Street are dreadful eyesores and, in some cases, have been for decades.
“The former Christian Mission is a real health and safety risk to my constituents and we want action now.”
At this month’s meeting of Renfrewshire’s communities, housing and planning board, it emerged the council had been rated ‘amber’ by the Scottish Government due to its failure to fully implement its vacant and derelict land strategy.
Overall, however, the report was positive towards the council, rating nine out of a total of 13 categories as ‘green.’
Two categories were not rated as they did not apply.
READ MORE: Homes set to be built on ‘eyesore’ Renfrewshire site after £5m sale agreed
A council spokesperson said: “Renfrewshire has seen a significant reduction in the level of vacant and derelict land over the last ten years.
“At the same time, the council and its housing association partner are on track to meet our ambition to deliver 1,000 new affordable homes by 2021, with new developments currently under construction at Johnstone Castle and in Bishopton.
“Many sites, including those referred to in Johnstone, are privately owned and officers from the council are in dialogue with the owners in the hope of identifying and delivering a suitable redevelopment.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here