A GREENOCK man is demanding urgent action over what he describes as the ‘worst close in Scotland’.

Brian Taggart says the block of flats in Blairmore Road where his frail mum Helen Taggart lives is in desperate need of a revamp.

He says it’s ‘filthy’, that there is paint peeling off the walls and that it is pock-marked with smashed glass windows.

The 44-year-old told the Tele: “The close has to be the worst in Scotland.
“It’s really bad.

“There are smashed windows which have been covered over by plastic panels which look horrible and there is paint coming off of the walls - it’s bogging.

“My mum, who is very elderly now, has stayed there since the 1960s when it was the poshest part of the east end.

“But it has been left to deteriorate over the past 10 years.
“Something has to be done about it.”

Brian, who is a full-time student, said he has contacted River Clyde Homes about the problem.

He added: “I have complained to the factoring department about it and I was told that the building is to get a new roof.

“But the roof looks ok, it’s the close which is the problem and is in dire need of improvements.

“They have been making a great job of the houses up in Broomhill, so Blairmore Road should get the same treatment.

“I’m also concerned about the security of the close – they should consider putting in secure entry.”

Fiona Campbell, head of business resilience at River Clyde Homes, has acknowledged that there are problems with the close.

But she reassured residents that action will be taken to improve it.

She said: “We are aware that the close area has been subject to continual vandalism and as a result is in a far from ideal condition.

“As part of our investment programme, works to this close will take place in early 2016.

“Works will include redecoration of the close and roofing works.

“Meantime we will ask one of our officers to visit the property and action any emergency repairs.”