MORE than 400 homes in a rundown area are set to be demolished.
Inverclyde Council has warned that there is no option for Clune Park in Port Glasgow, but to demolish it.
Now the authority is discussing the housing needs of the 180 people still living in the area's 430 homes.
The council has been in long-running discussions with landlords in Clune Park to end the area's poor housing, poverty and deprivation.
And council leader Stephen McCabe has warned he believes demolition of the homes is the only way forward.
Councillor McCabe, also the chairman of Clune Park Task Group, said: "Discussions with local private landlords have been going on for some time and the option for them to invest their own money to improve properties has always been on the table.
"However, we recognise significant investment – in the region of £15million – would be required.
"There is unlikely to be Scottish Government funding for regeneration or new-build so we have to explore every available option.
"The process is an exercise to gather information.
"However, the only effective solution for Clune Park is to re-house residents and demolish the homes.
"We want to work with people to make sure everything we do is in their best long-term interest.
"The council has already committed £500,000 to develop these proposals, which have been welcomed by the Scottish Government."
The council is completing personal housing plans for people living there and the findings will help in talks with housing associations.
Each home will be sent a letter inviting householders to take part in the process. This will involve meeting council officers to complete a comprehensive questionnaire.
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