Residents living near a ramshackle property have hit out over council plans to reroof the house rather than flatten it.
Five years ago, the council pledged to track down the owners of the empty home in Kirkconnel Main Street.
But they’ve been unable to locate them and are being forced to carry out repairs to make the property safe.
Next-door neighbour Pauline McNairn, 40, said: “The council is renewing a roof on a derelict house that no one has lived in for 36 years instead of demolishing it.
“I’m stunned that taxpayers’ money is being wasted on this eyesore.”
Pauline’s mum Mary Nisbet, who lives two doors from the rundown house, added: “Council workers were there on Monday tidying the garden and came back on Tuesday to cut trees.
“I couldn’t believe it when they told me they’re putting a new roof on. What a waste of money. The only thing the house is good for is demolition.”
A council spokesman said: “This property is an abandoned house in the heart of the community. It has fallen into serious disrepair and presents a safety hazard and is causing concern.
“We served a dangerous building notice due to the risk of falling roof slates.
“We have tried to engage with the property owner. However, the owner took no action to carry out required works. To ensure public safety, the communities committee agreed to fund works to make the property safe.
“The roof will be covered to ensure no further damage. We will seek to recover full costs from the owner.
“We will continue to work with the community on a long-term solution.”
Next Tuesday, councillors will discuss plans to create a new multi-agency group to tackle the problem of empty homes across the region.
The communities committee will be asked to approve plans to set up the partnership which will tackle the issues of bringing empty homes back into use.
