HEALTH and safety officers could intervene earlier with dangerous properties after the latest closure of a stretch of Helensburgh’s East Clyde Street.

The possible solution was discussed at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee last Thursday.

But council chiefs also want more engagement with town centre businesses as a row rumbles over the street’s third partial closure in recent years.

Last week’s Advertiser reported how launderette owners Martin and Irene Harper were frustrated by the shutdown, with residents thinking the business was closed.

Councillor Ellen Morton said at the meeting: “There has been a lot of criticism of the council saying that we are in some way to blame for the scaffolding all over the town.

“These properties are not council properties, and secondly, clearly the building standards team has to intervene the minute they see a health and safety risk. Should there be a process allowing them to intervene earlier?

“The launderette is claiming that they were previously forced to close because there is scaffolding up, and now the public are assuming that because of this, and the road closure, the launderette is not open.

“We do, though, need to look at how we can intervene earlier.”

Council leader Aileen Morton also called for urgency on the dangerous building at 5-7 East Clyde Street, which has forced the closure.

She said: “East Clyde Street has been shut three times, and West Clyde Street shut once, in the last few years.

“This is the main street at the front of Helensburgh and it causes chaos when it is closed. The scale of disruption is huge.

“There is a rumour going around the council will have to demolish the building – we are not. One town centre property was demolished around 15-20 years ago and it is still sitting there as an empty site.”

The authority’s head of economic development, Fergus Murray, said: “We will keep members informed of progress.”