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AN INFAMOUS block of flats dubbed "Britain's Chernobyl" have been razed to the ground after rotting away for two years.

Contractors moved in to take down the notorious apartments in the eerie Clune Park estate after they were branded dangerous.

Demolition of a brick building.
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'Britain’s Chernobyl’ is finally being demolishedCredit: STV NEWS
Demolition of a fire-damaged building.
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It has been rotting away for two yearsCredit: Inverclyde council
Boarded-up shops and homes in an abandoned estate.
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Homes and shops on the estate have been left boarded upCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

The derelict buildings, located Port Glasgow, were deemed unsafe by the local Inverclyde Council.

A building were demolished in the first phase of the wide-ranging deconstruction project.

During the entire demolition, 430 residential properties across 45 tenement blocks are set to be torn down.

138 properties across 15 tenement blocks are will be during this round of destruction.

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Inverclyde Council said the work is being carried out in the interests of safety.

It comes after "dangerous buildings" notices were served following extensive investigations by authorities and surveyors.

The public have been urged to stay away from the remote area.

Largely abandoned, Clune Park has been targeted by arson attacks and plagued by anti-social behaviour.

Also nicknamed "Scotland's Chernobyl", the estate got its moniker for its desolate and and dangerous reputation.

The buildings share a striking similarity to scenes of radioactive decay in the surrounding areas of the Chernobyl power plant.

Inside abandoned center parcs

A new masterplan for Clune Park was approved by the council in November 2023.

It made the ultimate aim of demolishing the entire estate and building up to 165 new, affordable homes for rent.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “Work is progressing well with the removal of the former church and school buildings.

“While that in itself was significant, seeing the flats starting to come down is a huge moment for everyone connected to Clune Park."

He added: “There will no doubt be a sense of sadness among families who once lived here.

"But there is also cause for celebration in seeing these properties coming down as we look ahead to a brighter future for Clune Park."

The councillor also said that they had exciting new plans for the houses on site.

He also boasted of its prime location, close to the town centre as well as local businesses and great transport links.

He added: “This area has such huge potential and can once again be a desirable place to live.”

The gruelling demolition work is being carried out by local contractor Caskie Limited, based in Greenock.

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A spokesperson for the firm said: "Winning this contract has provided a great opportunity for our team to contribute to the work being done."

They added that it "enables us to continue developing our workforce within the Inverclyde community".

Interior of fire-damaged building.
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Many of the abandoned flats have fallen prey to vandals and arsonists leaving them burned outCredit: Kyle Urbex (permission given)
Abandoned apartment building with debris in the foreground.
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The Clune Park estate is now left largely abandonedCredit: Kyle Urbex (permission given)
Interior of a fire-damaged apartment, showing debris and a damaged bathroom.
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The local council says the flats are not fit for habitationCredit: Kyle Urbex (permission given)
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