FED up Partick residents have demanded answers after a busy street has been left shut off six months after a housing development was due to be completed.

The Mansfield Gate project, which will see the transformation of the former St Peter's Primary into 60 new affordable homes, should have been completed in March after a three-year construction.

Neighbours say prior to the nationwide lockdown earlier this year, appliances were being fitted to the flats - indicating work was wrapping up.

However, when the site re-opened for a business, a new contractor was in place and locals claims brickwork was being ripped away with no word from owners Partick Housing Association (PHA).

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "Partick Housing Association (PHA), to their credit, used to send regular updates on the work and disruption to residents but they have been curiously silent this year.

"We seemed so close to work ending back in March, complete with delivery of appliances for the flats. But then Covid hit and they secured the site.

"Now we see a new contractor on site, installed for the long haul it seems, plus brickwork taken away on all sides. One of the walls on White Street had brickwork replaced repeatedly - at least three times."

"He added: What's gone wrong with this site and how many more years until the street and pavements return to use?"

The development - which will include 21 mid-market rent and 39 social rent properties - began in 2017, one year after PHA took over the site.

A spokeswoman for PHA said: “We are finalising the appointment of a new contractor to complete our new development at Mansfield Gate, on the site of the former St Peters Primary School.

"This eagerly awaited project has unfortunately been affected by some challenges over recent months. This has been frustrating for PHA’s board, staff, customers and neighbours. The project, like other construction work across the country, has been delayed by restrictions due to Covid19. We have also had to respond to the original contractor going into administration and having to make alternative arrangements.

"At the start of October we will provide an update with news on the new contractor, programme of works and expected completion dates. We appreciate everyone’s patience during these uncertain times and in due course we look forward to welcoming new tenants to these great new affordable homes within the heart of Partick.”