A COUNCILLOR has welcomed the demolition of derelict tenements in a Johnstone housing scheme.

John Hood hopes that new social housing set to be built in Maple Drive will help deliver more affordable homes in the area.

We previously reported how local residents had been pleading for action to demolish the row of derelict buildings.

It is understood that rats had been nesting in the empty tenements, which were also repeatedly targeted by firebugs last year.

The Gazette:

Mr Hood, whose Johnstone South and Elderslie ward includes Maple Drive, said he was looking forward to the construction of the new housing development at the site.

He told The Gazette: "This will further enhance Johnstone Castle, because housing prices in the area have rocketed.

"Many young people cannot get on the property ladder because it's just too expensive.

"Also, from what I've heard, the demolition of the old properties has helped with the rat problem substantially."

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It is understood that Link Group's new development in Maple Drive will consist of more than 60 homes, with construction work set to start in late autumn.

A spokesperson for Link Group said: "With so many people seeking accommodation, the recent acquisition of the site by Link Group from Renfrewshire Council has allowed Link to proceed with the demolition of the existing properties.

"Demolition is due to complete at the end of April 2023, leading the way for the main building works to commence in late autumn 2023, subject to obtaining the remaining consents and approvals, for these much-needed new homes in Johnstone. The new homes are currently estimated to complete in the summer of 2025.

The Gazette:

"We are delighted Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government are supportive of the plans for the new housing. We look forward to building these modern homes, which will assist with the redevelopment of this area of the town."

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council's communities and housing policy board, added: "We are delighted that, as part of our Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2023/28, this development will provide around 68 new homes for social rent, as well as new infrastructure and green spaces.

"This will add to 95 council homes built in Johnstone Castle in early 2021 and we look forward to more affordable homes being available in the area as construction gets underway later this year."