Fife’s tower block security is to be enhanced following the Grenfell tragedy in London.
The local authority gave a commitment in the aftermath of the tragedy to examine ways to improve the management standards at its 12 high rise blocks.
There have been inconsistencies in the service provided at the flats, which include Broomhead Drive in Dunfermline, Ravenscraig, Forth View and Park View in Kirkcaldy and Swan and Memorial Court in Methil.
Some did not have overnight services, while in other places this was provided by an external security contractor or security officers.
There are also differences in CCTV coverage and in IT facilities for caretakers.
Costs to tenants and residents also vary because of difference service and factoring charges.
The £500,000 investment would bring all of Fife’s tower blocks up to the same security standards and ensure tenants benefit from the same level of concierge service.
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Residents will be consulted on four options for the new service with having improvements in place by next year.
Of the options on the table, officers and the community and housing services committee favour one to have housing staff on site at all 12 tower blocks overnight from 8pm to 8am.
Modern CCTV systems with the same level of coverage in all blocks would also be installed.
Other options include having staff at three locations, Broomhead, Ravenscraig and the Methil high rises with CCTV covering the other two and linked to one of the three main sites creating a hub.
The other two suggestions would use external contractors either at all 12 blocks or using the same hub format.
SNP councillor Lesley Backhouse asked whether better use of new technology could be employed.
But John Mills, head of housing services, explained while it would be used, initial feedback was that “people like to see a face”.
“We believe this has to be a human-based service. We need to make sure it is a people-based service with technology assisting that.”
Committee convener, Labour councillor Judy Hamilton, said: “We’ve been looking at all the services we provide in our tower blocks in the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy and would like to improve our current concierge services.
“I hope our tenants take the opportunity to get involved and have their say on the proposals.”
