PEOPLE living in eight flats in Helensburgh have been evacuated, and five businesses have been forced to close, because of an unsafe building in the centre of the town.

The building, on the corner of East Clyde Street and Charlotte Street, was declared unsafe by Argyll and Bute Council officials on Tuesday night.

Residents of other buildings opposite the dangerous structure have also been evacuated, and have been given help in finding alternative accommodation.

A council spokesman told the Advertiser on Wednesday: “Argyll and Bute Council’s Building Standards has had to take the step of closing buildings in East Clyde Street in Helensburgh, in order to keep members of the public safe.

“Following an inspection, the council identified the condition of a three-storey building at 39-43 East Clyde Street as a danger to its residents.

“ In light of the condition of the dangerous building, buildings opposite at 12-14 East Clyde Street and 9 Maitland Street have also been required to be evacuated.

“The council, assisted by Police Scotland, has taken action to help residents evacuate their homes and find alternative accommodation."

The spokesman was unable to confirm the exact number of residents who were evacuated.

East Clyde Street has been closed, in both directions, between Maitland Court and Sinclair Street. A diversion via William Street, Sinclair Street, East Princes Street and Charlotte Street is in place.

A full inspection of the building by a specialist contractor was due to take place on Wednesday afternoon, after this issue of the Advertiser went to press.

The council's spokesman added: “This will determine exactly what work is required to make the building safe and habitable and how long the road will be closed for.

“We appreciate that this situation will be disruptive for residents, affected business owners and for those who use the road, and thank people for their co-operation.

“We will take action as quickly as possible to make the buildings safe for use.

"We take this opportunity to remind property owners of their responsibility to keep their buildings in a good state of repair, in order to avoid situations like this one, and to ensure the safety of all those who use them.”

Speaking to the Advertiser first thing on Wednesday morning, Alex McNee, owner of Helensburgh Cycles, which is based in the building, said: “The building is dangerous and the council is trying to get some props for it – that's all we know at the moment.

“We've been told we can get into the shop at 11am to quickly grab a few essentials such as a computer, but getting any major stock is a no-go just now.”

Mr McNee said a lump of concrete on the building had become dislodged last June and that its removal had left a corroded steel beam exposed to the open air.

He said: “A report on the building was done on February 23, but nothing has been put in place to rectify the problem since then, so that's why the council has had to step in.

“We're preparing to move to new premises further along the street, but this couldn't have happened at a worse time.”