West Dunbartonshire Council revealed 19 households in Clydebank East are formally deemed to be living in flats that do not meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS).

But, the local authority said it had no obligation to improve these homes whilst a consultation on 336 properties in the area is on-going.

The council announced in February that it was considering both full and partial demolition of the Clydebank East area. This includes high rise blocks Howcraigs, Newshot and Edmonstone courts and maisonettes Yokerburn, Hamilton and Clydeholm terraces.

Within days of confirming almost 160 people could lose their homes, West Dunbartonshire Council announced a 6.9 per cent rent increase. This, the local authority says, will allow it to maintain and regenerate its housing stock.

But Raymond Divers, of the Clydebank East Residents and Tenants Association, said a lack of maintenance has meant all 158 occupied homes have become “completely intolerable”.

He said: “We got in touch with Gemma Doyle MP to query this with the council. They replied that the rent increase is, and I quote, required to ensure that the council continues to maintain its properties to the SHQS and to fulfil its landlord obligations.

“But this estate has been neglected for years now.

Mr Divers argued rent paid by tenants had been diverted elsewhere, adding: “This estate is, and has for sometime been, bank rolling other projects in West Dunbartonshire. You have to remember that most of the tenants receive housing benefit and council tax benefit - a guaranteed income for the council.” A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “The majority of properties in Clydebank East are unoccupied, and of those that are occupied 88% meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS). Those that do not are exempt from SHQS because they are part of an ongoing options appraisal to determine their future use.

“We recognise that there is work to be done in this area and that is why we are proposing a major regeneration programme to provide residents with homes which meet the SHQS and also reflect their needs and aspirations.

“We are consulting residents at every stage in this development and regardless of whether they wish to remain in Clydebank East or move elsewhere in the town or area we will continue to take this consultative approach.

“We have already met with a number of these tenants in the area and would encourage anyone who has any questions or queries to housing officers on 01389 737000.”