COMING DOWN

In the face of significant local opposition, East Dunbartonshire Council will flatten Tom Johnston House in a clearance plan set to last 15 weeks.

Hoardings and fences will be put up around the site this week, and demolition will begin from the start of September.

The controversial move will aim to turn the currently moribund site into a development which, with neighbouring Whitegates, can be turned into a useful addition to the town’s shopping and business amenities.

But Kirkintilloch Community Council has argued the scheme could put the town centre’s economy at risk, and that objections to it have been ignored.

It complains local plans for supermarkets have been knocked back, but that the council is pressing ahead with its own scheme, which has outline planning consent.