Almost 160 householders stand to lose their home within the next three years as West Dunbartonshire Council proposes raising an entire housing estate to the ground.

The local authority revealed last week it is considering both full and partial demolition of the Clydebank East area including high rise blocks Howcraigs, Edmonstone and Newshot courts, and maisonettes Yokerburn, Hamilton and Clydeholm terraces.

Of the 336 properties affected, 158 are occupied; meaning 158 families and individuals would need re-housed if demolition was the favoured option.

But the Post has learned this week that West Dunbartonshire Council has only around 190 empty properties across the local authority that could potentially house the Clydebank East residents.

Raymond Divers, of Clydebank East Residents Association, told the Post people’s concerns about rehousing were not being addressed.

He said: “Every single tenant has to be decanted, that’s for partial or full demolition. I don’t know where they are going to put us. We were told at the meeting (on February 9) they don’t have any houses for us. Most of the tenants are not prepared to go to Dumbarton and that’s the fact of the matter.

“The feedback from tenants is they want total demolition and put into new houses but obviously they don’t have new houses for us. We are being scattered across West Dunbartonshire.” Mr Divers who has lived at Newshot Court for more than 20 years says residents would rather see their homes demolished than have to endure many more years of suffering.

Listing problems with damp, subsidence, drug abuse and anti-social behaviour, Mr Divers said the area has been troubled for years.

“People have been put in these flats that have gone on to murder people,” Mr Divers said. “People come here straight out of jail. It seems to be used for dumping people. It is more like a hostel, not multi-storey flats.

“It’s a dangerous place to live; people won’t even come and visit you.

“I have raised these concerns but nothing has been done.” A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said a housing regeneration strategy was currently being created for Clydebank East in consultation with residents.

She said: “The council is committed to working in partnership with tenants and residents to develop proposals for a housing-led regeneration which reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.

“The regeneration strategy will address rehousing requirements for the Clydebank East community. As part of the consultation phase each tenant will be interviewed and the alternative housing options available will be outlined.

“Any demolition/refurbishment works identified through the regeneration strategy will be carried out in a planned phased manner to minimise disruption for the tenants.” A decision on the future of Clydebank East will be made in August by the council’s housing committee, whilst a series of public meetings will be held every month until that date.

Mr Divers said the residents association would at the next meeting, on March 9, be “demanding answers” on exactly where and when residents could expect to be living in a warm, comfortable and safe home.