Perth tenants living in high-rise flats have been re-assured that measures are in place to ensure their safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London.
Some Milne Court flat residents have recently contacted The Courier about fire concerns by claiming rubbish had been left in floor landings and that some house doors open inwards.
However, the local authority has stated they will listen to all concerns at a drop-in event that will take place on Wednesday at the Mercure Hotel, West Mill Street, Perth. Members of the council’s housing team will be in attendance along with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The meeting was announced around the same time the Scottish Parliament stated it would be looking into safety of Scotland’s high-rise blocks. MSPs who serve on the local government and communities committee will bring high-rise flats into the equation as part of an on-going inquiry into housing and building regulations in Scotland.
Scottish local authorities were quick to dispel fears that tower blocks of flats across the country may have the same cladding that was understood to have spread the initial fire at Grenfell, leading to at least 79 people dying.
Staff at Perth and Kinross Council have recently visited Market, Milne and Lickley Courts, and Potterhill and Pomarium Street flats in the city with a view to making sure residents living there are as “safe as they can be.”
A council spokesperson said: “Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower it is important that we reassure tenants within Perth’s high-rise blocks of flats about all of the measures we have undertaken, and continue to undertake, to make sure that they are as safe as they can be.
“Since the fire in London, staff has undertaken visits to residents of Market, Milne and Lickley Courts, and Potterhill and Pomarium Street flats in Perth, to give these assurances, and listen to any concerns they have.
“This drop-in session will give residents who did not have a chance to speak to staff during those visits, or who wish to continue the conversation, an opportunity to meet with housing staff, and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service colleagues to get these re-assurances first hand.”
John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, said he welcomed the fact that cladding at all high-rise flats in Perth is fire retardant.
“The Grenfell Tower disaster was an absolute tragedy that resulted in a horrendous loss of life,” he commented.
“It is important that lessons are learned. However, in the meantime it is vital that residents throughout Perth and Kinross receive assurances that their properties are safe.”
He continued: “I wrote to seek assurances from the chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council in relation to the fire safety of buildings throughout this area. I am very pleased to have received confirmation that the type of cladding used on Grenfell Tower has not been used on any properties in Perthshire North, and Perth and Kinross more widely.
“I also welcome the local authority’s swift action in seeking to make contact with residents of multi-storey properties and anywhere that has recently had external wall insulation fitted.”
