Clean up this health hazard now
Councillor hits out over derelict sites
A councillor is leading calls for clean- ups at vermininfested former school sites.
Labour man John Hood claims the grounds of the old St David’s and Cochrane Castle primary schools, in Johnstone, have become dumping grounds.
The buildings were torn down ten years ago and the plots have been vacant since, despite originally being earmarked for housing.
Mr Hood, who is the elected member for Johnstone South and Elderslie, claims the areas are becoming increasingly overgrown and in desperate need of attention.
He said: “Despite previous assurances I have received from the council, both these sites are getting worse.
“Not only do they look terrible but are more than certainly a health hazard with regular sightings of vermin in the area.”
“Only last week I spoke to a home owner who was so sickened by the state of the area she was thinking of selling her house.”
He is now demanding Renfrewshire Council acts to clear the sites before potential house builders are put off.
He said: “This area has been left in this state for far too long and I am calling for the council to take action immediately.
“Local residents should not be forced to put up with this.”
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “The council is actively marketing the site of the former St David’s Primary and Cochrane Castle Primary as a potential housing site.
“There are encouraging signs of a positive development market with the recent delivery of projects at nearby Fordbank and Spateston and we hope interest in this site will lead to its redevelopment in the near future.
“A pest control officer has visited the site and has no concerns with regard to it attracting vermin.”