An Irvine pensioner is in dire straits with North Ayrshire Council over a property near his home which he has dubbed “the haunted house on the hill” after it has been left “forsaken, abandoned and a total eyesore” for four and a half years.

William Mcclean, 75, has been “battling with the council” over the state of the house on 20 Hill Street which he says is attracting foxes, being overrun by vegetation and generally falling into a dilapidated state.

The man, who has lived on the street for 37 years, is not only concerned that the condition of the property will worsen, but that the value of his house and others will diminish as a result.

William, whose call for the council to act has been backed up by 20 other residents who have signed a petition, said: “The council have done nothing other than try to trace the person who owns the property. The back door is full of vegetation, it’s more like a wildlife park. There are wild foxes residing in the back door. I was simply told by the council to get fox repellent and put it in my back door. The way this has been handled has been shocking.

“Two elderly ladies live on either side of the property and three years ago, one of the ladies put her house on the market. The estate agent who came down to value it said that because of the building next door, it would be devalued by £10,000.”

He continued: “They class this as a conservation area which is just a joke. There is no heating in the building as no one has been in it... there are no ceilings where they should be... and there are cabinets off the wall. To me it’s a fire hazard into the bargain.

“There is also graffiti on the windows and the garden is absolutely shocking. I just can’t understand the council’s logic to this. It’s causing health issues, anxiety and stress to the neighbours nearby. There is no pleasure to residing in their properties.

“It really is the haunted house on the hill.”

A council spokesperson said: “We understand the concerns of residents but because this is a private property, we do not have the powers to act unless the building is in a dangerous condition or poses a risk.

“Protective Services have previously visited the property and, at that time, no public health issues were identified and the building was not in a condition which would necessitate the serving of a dangerous building notice

“Our Private Sector Team have attempted to contact the owner on a number of occasions and will continue to do so. We will continue to monitor the property.”