A FED-UP Port Glasgow resident is demanding that a fire-damaged tenement block is urgently fixed or pulled down.

Ben Withers, who lives in Highholm Street, says the building has become a dangerous eyesore.

He is concerned about the stability of the building and also fears that it could attract vandals and fireraisers.

The building was left badly damaged after a fire tore through it last April.

Much of the roof is a burnt out shell exposed to the elements.

Civil servant Ben says it is unacceptable that the fire-ravaged block hasn't been touched for more than a year.

Ben, 38, said: "I'm very concerned about it. It is an eyesore and a potential danger to the adjoining properties."

Greenock Telegraph:

He had initially contacted the Telegraph last September unhappy about the fact that the road was still blocked with fencing in the wake of the blaze and says that as soon as the story appeared in the newspaper it was re-opened.

But Ben is worried about the state the building has been left lying in.

He said: "There is always the possibility that the flats will be set on fire again. Now that we are coming into the summer months it would go up like a tinder box up there.

"It's in a worse condition now. I don't think it is very stable on the top. Young families live here and there is a school nearby.

"People living across the road also have to look at that every day.

"The adjoining flat is occupied but I've not heard anything from the council. I've given up."

READ MORE: Highholm Street residents furious as street blocked off for SIX MONTHS

Ben, who hails from Melbourne in Australia says it is a shame the saga is dragging on because he loves living in the neighbourhood.

He said: "I like it here, I was living in England then I got the opportunity to move to Scotland with my job.

"I've got great neighbours and I think Inverclyde is fantastic, it's great living near the water.

"The flats should be fixed up to house people, or torn down."

Council bosses say they are limited in what they can do to resolve the situation.

A spokesperson said: “Fencing remains in place for safety reasons.

“We do not own the building. It is in mixed ownership so is ultimately a matter for the owners to repair and maintain the property.

“That said, we are doing our best to try and help by attempting to engage with the various owners to encourage a solution without further delay.

"But that in itself is not straightforward given there are a number of different private parties involved.”