COUNCIL legal officers have stepped in to secure a "dangerous" building dubbed "an accident waiting to happen".

The former Arnold Clark showroom on Peat Road in Priesthill has lain empty since the car sales company moved out in 2013.

In the last three months it has become a target for vandalism and disorder, say local residents, who have watched children as young as 10 risking their lives in the building which is littered in broken glass.

A mum-of-one whose home looks on to the "eyesore" said it was just a matter of time before someone was seriously injured.

The building, which residents say was always well maintained when under the management of Arnold Clark, is owned by Glasgow City Council's property arm City Property.

In March last year a new lease was taken out by a company called Comm Property Investments Ltd, a City Property spokesman said.

The tenants are obliged to secure and maintain the buildings under the terms of this lease, which expires in 2023.

But owners City Property, told the Evening Times it had raised concerns about the company's failure to do this, the state of its "disrepair," and had previously asked Comm Property Investments to remedy the problems.

The matter has now been taken up by the council's legal services, which has served a formal notice on the tenant.

One local, who lives opposite the building, said: "It is a complete eyesore. Looking on to this makes me feel embarrassed about the area.

"But more worrying is the fact that youths are inside this building almost daily.

"I see kids ranging in age from about 10 to 14.

"They smash windows and throw fire extinguishers at them. There are shards of glass hanging from the frames.

"I think it is just a matter of time before someone is seriously injured."

City Property say it has no right to enter the building but has offered to put up a fence to keep youths out.

Greater Pollok councillor David McDonald, who took up the issue on behalf of residents, said: "The garage isn't only an eyesore but a danger to the community.

"It has been sad to watch its slow decline."

A spokesman for City Property said: "City Property and our letting agent, Ryden, are aware that the buildings have fallen in to state of disrepair and has previously instructed the tenant to comply with the repairing obligation.

"The matter has been escalated to GCC Legal Services in order that a formal notice can be served on the tenant, instructing them to comply with the terms of the lease agreement.

"City Property has no legal right to enter the property and carry out works.

"However, given the concern about the condition of the building, City Property has arranged for fencing to be erected around the perimeter of the site."

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said community officers are aware of the issues and are also concerned about youths accessing the building.

She added: "We are working to locate those responsible for the building to progress a resolution."

Companies House records show that the registered address for Comm Property was transferred from an address in East Ayrshire to the empty Peat Road site in March this year.

Directors for the company could not be contacted.

linzi.watson@ eveningtimes.co.uk