Block of flats in a Port Glasgow housing estate has been cordoned off over 'serious' safety fears

Inverclyde Council building control officials are warning people to stay clear of Clune Park Street because of concerns with the condition of the building's roof, rear facade and stability of one of the floors.

Local authority officials taped off the street last week and say it poses a 'real danger' to the public.

The problems relate to 1 Clune Park Street and safety checks have been carried out by independent structural engineers, who expressed concerns over the condition of the building.

All flats in the block are unoccupied.

Seven belong to the local authority and one is privately owned.

A council spokesman said: "We have serious concerns about the condition of the roof slab and stability of the third floor at 1 Clune Park Street.

"This follows an inspection by independent structural engineers which raised these concerns and that the rear façade of the building presents a real danger to the public.

"Our building standards team took immediate action on Wednesday to cordon off 1 Clune Park Street to protect people in the area.

"We will be carrying out further investigations but would urge anyone in the vicinity to stay clear of this location and to adhere strictly to any safety guidance for their own protection."

Clune Park has been the subject of a long-running legal battle between the council and private landlords.

The local authority wants to demolish estate but has failed to reach an agreement with owners to buy the remaining properties.

The regeneration of Clune Park is a key council objective.

There are around 440 flat in the estate, the majority of which are empty.

Council bosses have deemed the flats beyond repair but private landlords blocked the bulldozers by successfully arguing in court that the buildings are structurally sound.

Legal action has cost the local authority around £1 million in fees and other costs.