Work to demolish an abandoned estate in Port Glasgow dubbed ‘Scotland’s Chernobyl’ is due to begin within the next couple of weeks.
Contractors have already moved on site to prepare for the demolition of the former school and church buildings in Clune Park estate.
The first demolition phase will involve knocking down 138 of the circa 430 residential properties across 45 tenement blocks.
Work will be carried out by Greenock-based demolition and enabling works contractor Caskie following certification that all utilities are disconnected.
Inverclyde Council said the demolition is being done on safety grounds after dangerous building notices were served following extensive investigations by council building standards officers and external surveyors.
Another two tranches of dangerous buildings notices have been issued on other sections of the estate. Further investigations are taking place to identify further potentially unsafe structures.
The council said it has been proactively acquiring properties in Clune Park for some years and now owns over half the estate, although there are still a few residents living in it.
Clune Park was first dubbed ‘Scotland’s Chernobyl’ over a decade ago because of its desolated and eerie state, according to the BBC.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “The council has a duty to ensure public safety across Inverclyde and take action where necessary to protect the public from dangerous buildings, and that’s the position we find ourselves in with Clune Park.
“With the demolition due to commence, this is a historic moment and progress towards the ultimate goal of regenerating this prominent area of Port Glasgow.”
