COUNCIL chiefs have ordered the surveying of a well-known but derelict Mountblow building with a view to resurrecting it.

Mountblow Sports Pavillion is boarded up and empty at the moment adjacent to football pitches.

West Dunbartonshire Council says it is going to survey the 1937 art deco building and then explore funding opportunities.

Mountblow does not have its own community centre or hall, and representatives would welcome it reopening.

Craig Edward, vice-chair of Dalmuir and Mountblow Community Council, called for the building to be used for residents.

He told the Post: “The Mountblow Sports Pavilion is an excellent building and quite rare being an Art Deco-themed sports building.

"It has fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years which is a real shame and should never be n this state.

"Rather than being a building of spectacle, it has become an eyesore. I have not actually been inside the building therefore it is difficult to determine what could realistically be achieved, but I would be very pleased if it could be converted for use by the community.

"Mountblow lacks any proper community hall facility therefore it would be great to see this benefit the whole community. It could then be used for tenant groups, bingo, badminton, hall-hire etc. If this was not possible, it would be good to have input from SportScotland on how they foresee this being used for sporting purposes.”

It is understood to be in good condition after being examined multiple times by experts.

Most recently, in 2013, an inspection by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust found no significant changes from a previous visit.

It detailed how the exterior is in a poor condition but overall the building is fine, with the changing rooms still being used.

However, it is considered to be moderately at risk by Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland.

Douglas Clark, a local photographer, has been enquiring about the building after taking photos of it.

He said: “Young apprentices could get stuck into this building and get it tidied up. It’s a solid, sound building and has metal cages over the windows that have kept out vandals. 

“The people of Clydebank are crying out for stuff to be used — and with the surrounding sports facilities tipped to be getting upgraded, the building could be ideal. I’ve spoken to councillors about this and been told to ‘watch this space’, so we may get some news on it soon.”

A council spokesman told the Post how potential plans are being drawn up to revitalise the sports grounds.

He said: “A condition survey is scheduled to be carried out at the building. Once this is complete the council will consider internal and external funding opportunities for renovating the pavilion.”