Too soon to know what future holds
Council bosses admit they are “not in a position to answer the big question” over the future of Ayr’s Riverside flats.
But whether it be large scale investment or a new development, the face of the famous towers is set to change.
Councillor Phil Saxton, spokesman for housing, said: “First and foremost, we can take comfort in the knowledge that the risk of major fire development and spread remains minimal as the main structure of the buildings, the cladding panels and the major insulation layers are non- combustible.
“And, importantly, it doesn’t change how the council or our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will manage fire safety within the buildings.
“However, I know tenants will have some concerns regarding the materials that have been found, which is perfectly understandable.
“What we have to remember is that these materials have been in place for some 25 to 50 years and while there have been several fires in the buildings since the 1992 re- cladding – including three in the last year – none have taken hold within the fabric of the buildings.
“We also undertake annual fire risk assessments which continue to recognise the good fire protection we have in place and our sprinkler system – which is checked twice a year – has been acknowledged by fire safety consultants as an ‘ excellent addition’ to our safety measures.
“At such an early stage, we’re not in a position to answer the big question, which is what this means for the long- term future of the buildings.
“Our focus will be on working with tenants to consider this in much more detail and ensure they are involved every step of the way.”