Fears have been expressed over the future of a fire-damaged Barrhead landmark after it came under further attack from vandals.
The owner of the former Columba Club, in Darnley Road, was given planning permission in April this year to convert the site into two takeaways, a convenience store and an office.
However, local residents have complained that no work has been carried out since then and the building is now an eyesore that attracts vandals and fly-tipping.
The club used to be one of Barrhead’s top function venues but closed down in August 2019 due to an electrical fault.
It was badly damaged by an arson attack in February 2021 and is now covered in graffiti, with an abandoned car parked at the entrance.
The car is also plastered in graffiti, with its windows broken and a traffic cone lodged in the smashed windscreen.
Fed-up locals say large bags of rubbish have been dumped at the side of the building.
One resident, who asked not to be named, told the Barrhead News: “The site is not being looked after, in our opinion, and we would like to know when the work will begin.
“Kids are coming round and vandalising it.
“It would be good if the owner took some responsibility for the site and also removed the bags of rubbish.
“The building is an eyesore at the moment and a magnet for vandals, while the car which has been left at the entrance is in a terrible state.
“All we want is for the building to be looked after responsibly.
“We have already had one fire here and don’t want another.”
East Renfrewshire Council had previously rejected an application to convert the club after objections were submitted by members of the public over road safety, loss of trees, noise and the hours of operation.
But the building’s owner – businessman Zubair Malik – lodged an appeal against that decision, which was then reversed six months ago.
Councillor Danny Devlin, who represents Barrhead, is also keen to see work on the new development begin as soon as possible.
He said: “If this is not resolved soon, I will be asking the council to take enforcement action.”
A council spokesperson added: “Planning permission for building work has been granted for the site and it is up to the owner to progress it further.”
Mr Malik was approached for comment.
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