EYESORE council houses are being demolished two years after severe flooding.

A total of 10 homes in Waulkmill Avenue, Dunterlie, Barrhead, including one property which was fire-damaged, are "uneconomical" to repair, claims East Renfrewshire council.

The decision to demolish was taken after consultation with residents, who have been re-housed.

Councillor Kenny Hay met members of Dunterlie Tenants Action Group and East Renfrewshire Council housing officers to get an update on the work, which is to take eight weeks.

He said: "I am delighted to see the demolition work has started as no-one likes to see buildings that are beyond repair standing empty and boarded up.

"They became an eyesore to everyone who lives in the area."

The council says the rest of its housing stock in the street will be maintained and occupied.

Also in Barrhead, West Arthurlie Cottage has been earmarked for demolition following a recent spate of fires and anti social behaviour at the site.

The council has announced that the property, in Lochlibo Road, will be pulled down after standing dangerously derelict for several years.

The 19th-Century cottage has fallen into disrepair after its last resident was taken into care.

The building has been repeatedly targeted by vandals.Housing convener Councillor Danny Devlin said: "It's excellent news that this trouble spot is finally coming down.

"Residents have had to put up with youngsters going in and out and causing trouble for far too long and for years residents have called for the property to be dealt with.

"The demolition will see a vast improvement in the area and end the spate of fires and make the area safe. It was only a matter of time before someone got hurt in the property.

"No specific date has been given for the building to come down but crews are expected to move in before the end of the month."

The demolitions form part of a wider council programme of regeneration for the town.

Supermarket giant Asda recently announced plans to invest more than £20million and create 200 jobs with a new store in the town.

ewan.fergus@eveningtimes.co.uk