Work to transform Johnstone Castle has commenced, Renfrewshire Council has confirmed.

The first phase of work will see the demolition of a vacant block of flats on the site. The six flats, located at Sycamore Avenue, are the first of 48 tenement blocks that will be razed to the ground as part of the project to regenerate housing in the area.

Following the demolition of the low demand tenement flats, new homes will be built in their place. Work is also ongoing to re-house those affected by the construction works.

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Councillor Tommy Williams, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Housing and Community Safety Policy Board, said: "I am delighted to see work beginning on this exciting project that will transform Johnstone Castle.

"It is a long-term plan which will see low demand, outdated tenement flats being replaced with high quality, modern homes that better meet the needs of the community. It is also part of the council's wider plan to deliver 1000 new affordable homes in Renfrewshire by 2020.

"We have had great support from the local residents so far and we will continue to work closely with them to keep them informed of progress and to ensure that those who wish to stay in Johnstone Castle, wherever possible, get the chance to do so."

(JP/CD)