A MAJOR step could be taken towards the demolition of derelict housing in Ferguslie Park this week as elected members run the rule over a key contract.

Caskie will bulldoze 51 blocks of empty Renfrewshire Council homes in Tannahill from mid-July – if a £630,000 agreement is given the green light at the finance, resources and customer services policy board on Thursday.

The job will encompass vacant properties in Ferguslie Park Avenue, Drums Avenue, Tannahill Road and Tannahill Terrace, which are located in an area that has become a hotspot for fire-raising and fly-tipping.

Councillor Kenny MacLaren, an SNP representative for Paisley Northwest, said: “I welcome this contract coming to the finance board for approval. It’s important to get it started as soon as possible.

“With the demolition due to start on July 15, hopefully this will see a reduction in the anti-social behaviour in the area, including fire-raising as well as fly-tipping.

“I hope council officers will act swiftly to deal with any fly-tippers and enforce the maximum fine of £500 for every fly-tipper they catch.

“I am looking forward to this work being completed and progress towards the development framework for the wider Ferguslie Park area, including consultation with the community and all stakeholders.”

The works are expected to begin on July 15 and run for 52 weeks, however, the dates will be confirmed in the council’s letter of acceptance to Caskie.

The separate process of disconnecting electric and gas supplies in the estate is already under way in the estate as demolition works edge ever closer.

A number of properties have become a magnet for antisocial behaviour – sparking worry among community representatives and elected members.

The local authority confirmed at the recent communities and housing policy board there had been as many as 16 fires in the area of late.

Jennifer Murdoch, housing regeneration manager, said the council was working with police and fire services on the matter, as well as “looking at options” to bolster security measures in the short-term.

Meanwhile, the day the vacant properties are brought down cannot come soon enough for many residents of Ferguslie Park.

Terry McTernan, chair of Ferguslie Community Council, said last month: “Ultimately, we would like to see it demolished tomorrow but we understand there are processes to follow and are grateful to the council for its more regular updates.

“It’s hard to convey to people the sheer magnitude of the [fly-tipping and vandalism].

“It is still impacting negatively on people’s wellbeing but we have come this far and everyone is hanging on for July, which is not too much longer.”