CONTRACTORS have moved in to demolish a controversial landmark following eight years of protests.

CONTRACTORS have moved in to demolish a controversial landmark following eight years of protests.

The Rain Tower in Paisley's County Square is finally being torn down amid technical problems and public health fears.

Workmen have now begun the process of dismantling the £180,000 stone artwork and it will be removed completely within the next three weeks.

Council chiefs plan to use the extra space in the square to stage open-air public events and expand regular attractions such as the Farmers' Market.

The sculpture was designed in 2000 with the purpose of turning recycled rain water into a waterfall.

But the artwork has never properly worked and was switched off permanently last summer.

Council leader Derek Mackay said: "This decision is a victory for common sense in removing what is one of the most unpopular structures in the town centre.

"It symbolises our determination to regenerate the town centre in a manner that is responsive to the views of the local community and its removal will free up what is a great civic space for the growing number of events we are attracting to the town centre.

"The Paisley Farmers' Market is a very popular event among locals so the fact that we can make use of this space for it and many other attractions makes complete sense."

The demolition work is fairly complex as it involves the removal of a network of underground pipes which were sunk into the ground to redirect rainwater.

Councillor Mackay added: "We are dedicated to the regeneration of the town centre and this is a step towards making the area a better place."

Earlier this year, the Evening Times told how the Rain Tower's creator, Dutch artist Jan van Munster, was furious at the demolition plans.

Over the years, the water supply was closed off during winter months because of frost damage to the pipes.