A DERELICT block of flats in Greenock has been turned into a drinking den and is over-run with rats.

Fed-up locals in Larkfield have called for the run-down tenements on Nairn Road at the corner of Banff Road to be demolished urgently after a series of delays.

Community activist and local businessman John Houston, who lives close to the block, says no-one has lived in the flats for around five years and they should have been pulled down long ago.

He says the empty building is now infested with vermin – while youths are also using it to drink.

Mr Houston told the Tele: “There’s kids running in and out with their carry-outs. I watched them jump the fence and run in through the back door, which has been forced open.

“There’s rats, pigeons and cats in there and it’s only a matter of time before someone catches a bug or gets hurt.

“It’s become an environmental health issue.

“It’s the largest pigeon loft in Greenock. It’s excuse after excuse about why they’ve not been demolished. The project gets pushed back and pushed back – it’s ridiculous.”

Mr Houston believes the hold-up is because the flats are connected to the shops on Banff Road and Angus Road.

He said: “Up until recently I had the shop on Angus Road right next to the chemist’s and all the tenants got a letter in June or July saying the tenements would be demolished.

“This issue is discussed at every community council meeting but still nothing has happened.

“The state of the place is ridiculous and the council has been up numerous times. The flats have to be taken down without damaging the shops but you’re hardly building the Great Wall of China.”

Bosses from housing association River Clyde Homes (RCH) today reassured locals that the building has been secured and say their staff will monitor it more closely.

Kirsteen McGinn, project manager at RCH, said: “A planning application has been submitted to Inverclyde Council for the demolition of the flats.

“The building has been secured but we will visit to ensure that it is safe and secure.”

Council chiefs say the property is the responsibility of the housing association and have urged residents to report any anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman said: “The demolition of the Banff Road flats is an operational matter for River Clyde Homes. However, the council does have an anti-social behaviour hotline which can be used if anyone has any anti-social behaviour concerns in any area of Inverclyde.”

To report anti-social behaviour, call 0800 013 1701.