COUNCIL officials have said that demolition of two dangerous buildings in Helensburgh is required to begin by the middle of next month.
A statement by Argyll and Bute Council has said that new notices have been served on the owners of 5-7 and 9-11 East Clyde Street, replacing the previous notice.
East Clyde Street has been closed between its junctions with Sinclair and Maitland Streets since Tuesday, June 9. It has been closed on that stretch before.
The council has once again encouraged the owners of the buildings to work with the authority to ensure the part of the road can reopen.
In a statement, the council said: “The council’s building standards team is actively involved in working towards a resolution to the dangerous buildings on East Clyde Street. This is a large and complex situation with multiple owners and occupants of two separate buildings.
“The latest actions include a further structural engineer’s report with a demolition specification included, commissioned by the council, and confirmation of property ownership.
“As a result of these actions, the council withdrew the original dangerous building notice dated June 9, on July 27, and issued two new dangerous buildings notices, one for each building. These notices were served on all owners requiring the demolition of the properties with works to start by August 17.
“The notices state that owners need to liaise with the council regarding access to the existing exclusion zone around the dangerous building and that full demolition of the building must go ahead to ensure public safety as outlined in the structural engineer’s report.”
The council added: “The council does not have the legal power to demolish the dangerous building, which is in multiple private ownerships, without going through the appropriate legal process.
“We can only carry out works in default of the dangerous buildings notice under the Building (Scotland) Act. Owners currently have 21 days to appeal those notices, issued on July 27.
“If there are no actions or proposals from the owners and the notice is not legally challenged, only then can the council undertake works in default of the notice.
“Public safety remains a priority for the council, and we are encouraging the private owners to work with the council so we can lift current restrictions to vehicles once demolition is complete and the area made safe for the public.
“Thank you to local businesses and the community for your continued understanding.”
