Angus property owners have been urged to make regular checks in the wake on a Montrose stairwell collapse which left a man in hospital.
Council chiefs have said the area is home to a number of outside steps similar to those leading up to flats in the Angus town’s Union Street which were at the centre of last month’s drama.
A 31-year-old man was taken to hospital after being injured in the incident and firefighters had to use a nine-metre ladder to lead a woman and child to safety from the upstairs property after the collapse.
The stone staircases were widely constructed by stone masons in the 17th-19th centuries and many are still standing across the UK.
However, a series of collapses have prompted academic research into potential pitfalls, including stress tests on different types of stone.
Angus Council said the Montrose incident should serve as a reminder to owners that they have a duty to ensure their stairwells are safe.
A spokesman said: “There are many similar type tenement properties throughout Angus, which in years past had external stairs and landings constructed to provide access to properties above ground level.
“Homeowners should be aware that, as the owners of their property, they are responsible for carrying out any checks and repairs.
“We advise any homeowner who has external stairs and landings at their property undertakes regular condition checks.
“If they are in any doubt, they can get advice from suitably qualified professionals who can assess the structural integrity and carry out any necessary repair works.”
Montrose SNP councillor Bill Duff has asked for a report to be brought to Angus Council on the situation.
Speaking after the incident, he said: “Union Street is just one of a number of streets in Montrose, and indeed in Angus that are constructed with this style of external staircase and are of a similar age.
“I think it is important to find out just what went wrong in this case, and establish if this is likely to be an isolated incident due to, for example, failure of the construction material, or if there could potentially be commonality that may increase the probability of this happening in similar style properties.
“Given the number of properties of this type and age, I will be asking for a report to be brought to the council once the investigation is complete, so that we have some clarity on the background and cause of the incident.”
