RESIDENTS of Clydebank East insist they will demand “decent homes” from West Dunbartonshire Council — after it was confirmed the entire housing scheme is to be demolished.

The council last week agreed on the full demolition of the 366 properties within the troubled Clydebank East estate.

High-rise blocks Newshot, Edmonstone and Howcraigs courts will all come crashing down, along with maisonette flats Clydeholm, Hamilton and Yokerburn terraces.

The news has been welcomed by many Clydebank East residents — but they warn big challenges lie ahead in rehoming the 160 families and individuals who currently live there.

And residents say they are determined to fight against the stigma of being a Clydebank East resident in their search for new homes.

Drew Busby, of Clydebank East Residents Association, said the anti-social behaviour that has plagued the estate has given honest, hard-working people a bad name.

He said: “We are all classed the same, they consider us drug addicts and drunks.

“The council ruined the community down here years ago because of the people they put into these flats. They put all the rotten eggs into one basket.” “I have been in Howcraigs Court for 29 years — nearly half my life — and I have never had one complaint against me. The council should be bending over backwards to help us.” Mr Busby, who has experienced several problems with troublesome neighbours — including drug dealers and violent criminals — says West Dunbartonshire Council must now provide law-abiding tenants a bright future in a good home.

His demands are supported by Raymond Divers, chairman of the residents’ association.

Mr Divers moved into Newshot Court 26 years ago when the high rise was a desirable place to live.

He said: “Now they have finalised their decision the only thing is to move forward. Rehousing people will be a big problem for them.

“One tenant I spoke to recently thought they would get a new-build property when in reality they could end up in an old tenement. We should dig our heels in, we want moved to decent homes.

“All tenants that stay in multi-storey flats want a nice, clean, warm home. I’m nearly 60, all I want is a nice home, not a flat that’s surrounded by junkies.” A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “Demolishing the current low demand housing in Clydebank East will prepare the site for future development and regeneration and we are confident that this option will deliver improved housing outcomes for all.

“Every opportunity has been taken to consult with residents over this important decision and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure that all their housing needs are met in identifying alternative new homes.

“We encourage any resident who has any questions or queries on the process to contact our housing officers on 01389 737000.”