The rehousing of all of Irvine’s high flat tenants will now run into next year with the coronvarus delaying eventual demolition.

There are currently around a quarter of the flats left occupied, with NAC expecting to have the five blocks emptied by this Autumn.

Council chiefs now expect this to run into next year, before they can arrange the eventual demolition job.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Our plans to rehouse from the five multi-storey blocks at Fullarton, Irvine, are well advanced but have been delayed slightly as a result of Government restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“More than three-quarters of the high flats tenants had already moved to their new homes before the lockdown measures were introduced. It was hoped that all 275 flats would have been empty by this Autumn, allowing the council to arrange demolition of the blocks in preparation for a new social housing development on the site.

“It is now likely that the programme to rehouse the tenants will run into 2021. Staff from Housing Services are in regular contact with the remaining tenants and will continue to keep them informed regarding their individual rehousing plans.”