LAST orders have been called for an ‘eyesore’ former pub in Port Glasgow after demolition crews moved in to tear down the building.

Burnt-out Monty’s has finally been razed to the ground — six years after a fire ripped through the once-popular drinking establishment.

The Bay Street bar was reduced to a shell following a devastating early-morning blaze in 2009 and has lain derelict ever since.

After a long-running battle to have the place demolished, Inverclyde Council and regeneration firm Riverside Inverclyde stepped in and purchased the site and moved swiftly to call last orders on what was left of the former pub.

On Thursday, Greenock-based demolition firm Chris Wright & Sons moved in and began ripping down the remains of the bar, which is adjoined to Port Glasgow swimming pool.

Ward councillor and environment and regeneration convener Michael McCormick says it is a relief and an important step in a £2m regeneration plan by the local authority and RI.

Mr McCormick told the Tele: “I am delighted we have finally managed to resolve this long-running situation.

“The building was practically destroyed by the fire six years ago and became something of a local landmark for all the wrong reasons. The council and RI have already invested significant sums and plan to invest the best part of £2m over the next two years in the regeneration of Port Glasgow town centre.

“It would have been counter-productive to make improvements across the area without addressing the situation with Monty’s Bar.” It is understood that around £50,000 is being spent on the project, which includes demolition and landscaping works.

The contractors are expected to be finished and the site cleared by Monday.

The area will then be landscaped while a decision is made on its long-term future.

Cllr McCormick says the demolition of Monty’s was high on the agenda for locals, who aired their views during a series of consultations recently looking at how to improve the town centre.

He said: “It’s been an eyesore in a high-visibility location in the Port town centre. It was detracting from the good things being done elsewhere as part of the town centre regeneration. I’m pleased that a local contractor has carried out the work as well.

“There’s a lot going on and we have consulted with people who live in the Port and this was high up on the list of things to do for many.

“When folk were asked their thoughts, tackling Monty’s Bar was a recurring topic, so this will be popular with those living in the area.”