A dangerous building in Paisley’s West End is undergoing an emergency demolition in a move that has been dubbed a “long time coming”.

The process of tearing down the “eyesore” block at the corner of Well Street and Underwood Lane started this week – a step Renfrewshire Council has deemed “necessary for safety reasons”.

It comes as the transformation of the area – as part of a regeneration masterplan by the local authority and its housing association partner Sanctuary Scotland – begins to take shape.

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Councillor Kenny MacLaren, an SNP representative for Paisley Northwest, welcomed the works and said: “This has been a long time coming.

“People have previously complained that it looks a state because the building is falling apart. They’ll be happy to see it done.

“It is an eyesore and it’s been causing problems. I’m sure residents in the area and the community council will welcome the demolition.

“It is also a good sign that the redevelopment of Well Street and surrounding areas is starting to gather pace.”

George Beattie and Sons has been appointed by the council to knock down the building. It is scheduled to take around eight weeks to complete.

A council spokesperson said: “The building at 22 Well Street and 1 Underwood Lane is subject to a dangerous building notice and the demolition is necessary for safety reasons.

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“The building is part of the masterplan for the long-term regeneration of the west end of Paisley with the goal of transforming the neighbourhood and creating stronger links to the town centre.

“Work is already underway to develop new homes on Underwood Lane and Sutherland Street as part of the first phase of the masterplan.

“In addition to the investment in Paisley’s West End, the council, alongside our partners, is working to regenerate local communities across Renfrewshire by delivering energy efficient improvements to existing housing stock as well as building new housing, with the ultimate goal of creating desirable and successful communities.”

Around 150 new private and social homes are set to be developed as part of the overall masterplan.