A group of Perth tenants have been given a week to leave their homes because the building they are living in is too dangerous for habitation.
Those living in the properties in East Bridge Street, Bridgend, were shocked to find a letter of eviction posted to them on Friday informing them that they would need to leave the flats by this Friday and find new accommodation.
Safety fences have been placed beside a retaining wall at the back of the properties due to fears over falling masonry and it is understood that three to four builders have been contacted with a view to repairing the wall and gable but none has agreed.
The Courier has learned that the owners of the five flats involved were previously served with dangerous building notices as a result of a wall failure.
The local authority has been in dialogue with the owners for the past seven months but has confirmed that no progress has been made.
A local campaigner known as “Save Bridgend” has claimed that anyone trying to undertake work on the area faces danger because of the condition of the building and the wall.
He also claims that the front and gables of the building have been identified as cracking.
Terry Boyd, 55, who lives in one of the affected flats, told The Courier how he came home on Friday to find the letter telling him he had a week to move out of his home.
“I understand there is a major fault affecting a wall and a gable at the back of the building I believe the whole block may have to be demolished,” he said.
“The letter stated that the wall was in a serious condition and that I would need to be out of this building by Friday coming.
“I like to take things in my stride but my daughter panicked and is shocked.”
He continued: “I have back problems and really have to live in a lower level flat. I contacted the council who have a team in charge of decanting the people here.
“If nothing is found I will stay with my daughter for a while.”
Another resident in East Bridge Street, who owns her flat, said she understood the main part of the problem trying to repair the wall was accessibility.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “If I have to move then I have to move, but there wasn’t much I could do on Friday evening after getting the letter.
“However, I’d already put my claim in with my insurance company. I’ve lived here for nine years and it’s a shame as it’s a nice area.”
The local campaigner said: “The evacuation may be due to works starting with the building being structurally unsound for occupants to remain during works.
“Or, it may be due to the fact that repairs have been delayed for so long that the building is now too unsafe for residents.
“Perth and Kinross Council has always maintained it was a private matter.
“However, the council have been aware for six months that the owners were either unable or unwilling to undertake the works.
“This procrastination and delayed action has left the building in a vulnerable state. It now poses a serious risk to neighbouring properties.”
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The council has been in dialogue with the owners of the five flats in the property over the last seven months following the serving of dangerous building notices as a result of a wall failure there.
“Regrettably no progress has since been made. Council engineers have visited the site and can’t now guarantee the safety of the building.”