Rats and pigeons 'nesting' in derelict Stevenston pub

A derelict pub in North Ayrshire has been labelled a significant safety risk and is overrun with rats, a councillor has claimed.

Saltcoats and Stevenston councillor John Sweeney flagged up his concerns about the former Rankins pub in Townhead Street at a full meeting of North Ayrshire Council.

Councillor Sweeney said: “The former Rankins public house at nine and 11 Townhead Street in Stevenston has been derelict for some considerable time.

“This building is in a terrible state of disrepair, has been neglected for some time and is a significant safety risk for local people.

“Rats and pigeons are now nesting in the building. There are concerns about damage to the roof causing a hazard to people walking past. Another concern is that the public footpath in the corner of the building is only 31 inches wide.

“Could you please advise what steps have been taken with the owners of the building to tackle the safety concerns that have been highlighted?”

Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for communities, housing and the islands, denied some of the claims put forward by his Labour rival.

He said: “The former Rankins public house is in private ownership and the owner is no longer responding to contact from officers. Their future plans for the building are not known.

“The building and adjacent land has been surveyed by the Council’s Building Standards on several occasions and no evidence of an infestation or vermin has been found. The team will continue to investigate any reports received and respond accordingly.

“The building was inspected by the council’s Building Standards team and no requirement for urgent works were identified at that time.

“If any point work is required to remove or reduce a danger, the team will take whatever action is necessary and attempt to recover any costs from the owner.

“The position of the building in relation to the footpath and the carriageway would form part of any assessment of risk at the time.”