COUNCILLORS are calling for urgent action to be taken over a derelict Greenock building that is in such a state it has a tree growing INSIDE it.

The former BT premises in Regent Street have been lying empty for years and are widely regarded as a blight on the landscape.

Windows have been smashed and the site, which extends to Terrace Road, is badly overgrown.

A London commercial property management and investment company, Telereal Trillium, told the Tele they have a long leasehold on it — but they refused to name the actual owner of the site.

An Inverclyde Council spokesman said: “We are keen to speak to all interested parties and explore all available options to address the poor state of the site and buildings.” The building is in ward three, Inverclyde North, where three of the four councillors responded to Tele inquiries about the sorry state of the prominent site.

Deputy council leader Councillor Jim Clocherty, said he has been raising the issue for months with council officials.

He said: “This site is crying out for redevelopment.

“In the short term it has to be tidied up, but I’d like to see a development that creates jobs or to see it used as a park and ride facility.” His Labour colleague Councillor Martin Brennan said: “The council is considering serving some form of notice on the owners if nothing is done to improve this eyesore.

“I’m sure my consituents are concerned about the condition of the site.” Liberal Democrat councillor Kenny Shepherd also wants something done about the eyesore.

He said: “Several years ago, the site was suggested to Asda as a possible location for them in Greenock, but they turned down this and other places before deciding to submit plans for Brougham Street which were eventually withdrawn.” The Tele asked BT if they could shed any light on who owned the building.

BT did not respond directly, but passed on our inquiry to Telereal Trillium, whose spokesperson said: “The leasehold was acquired from BT as part of our strategic property outsourcing partnership established in 2001. The property is owned by an independent party.” She declined to name the owner, but added: “We continue to review viable options for this property, with the aim of regenerating the site and providing a positive contribution back to the local area.”