A block of flats which was damaged when a car crashed into it almost a year ago should be demolished and replaced with new housing, according to a Fife councillor.

One of the maisonettes at Erskine Court in Methil was so badly damaged after the incident, disabled tenant William Wallace had to be rehomed.

Now as Fife Council finally prepares to begin repairs on the wrecked house, Methil councillor John O’Brien has branded the entire block “an eyesore” and claimed it should be demolished and replaced with new housing.

Speaking to The Courier, he said repairs should have been carried out long ago and added: “I get people complaining and asking what the council is going to do about it.

“The bottom line is Erskine Court is past its sell-by date and the whole block should be demolished.”

The SNP councillor, who has made repeated calls for repairs over several months, said: “We are talking about regenerating the whole area and this could be a starting point.”

Mr O’Brien stated that the 16 flats were between 40 and 50-years-old.

“It’s maybe time to level them and spruce up Lower Methil,” he said.

“People are fed up. It’s an eyesore that has been neglected for years.”

Alistair Black, Fife Council’s housing manager for Levenmouth, said work to repair the badly damaged flat at Erskine Court should begin in June.

“It’s taken a number of months to find out what work is needed as there was substantial structural damage to this building,” he said.

“We’re still waiting on results from some of our investigations but all being well work to repair this property should start early next month.”

He added: “We’re continuing to work with the tenant and have offered other suitable accommodation which was declined.”