New fears over Ayr high- rises
Councillors faced with report on ‘ potentially flammable materials’
Hundreds of homes could be demolished amid safety fears at ayr’s high- rise flats.
Council bosses face a £ 21million repair bill after uncovering “potentially flammable materials” in the Riverside blocks.
the future of 234 flats will now be put out to consultation as officials consider a rebuild project.
But resident thomas Mcarthur, 62, said: “I don’t want to be moved – I’m happy here.
“People in the town would bite your hand off to live in one of these blocks.”
Tower blocks filled with “potentially flammable materials” could face demolition.
Three high- rise blocks which have dominated Ayr’s skyline for 49 years are in line for the axe.
A total of 234 town centre flats face an uncertain future as council bosses examine “long- term” options.
Officials are to act in the wake of structural surveys carried out after the Grenfell disaster in London.
In an internal briefing seen by the Ayrshire Post, bosses admit to finding issues that “raise some concerns”.
An official report states: “We now know potentially flammable materials are contained within the original structure of the building.”
Cladding on the flats, built in 1969, was given the thumbs- up in the immediate aftermath of Grenfell.
But a “more invasive” probe behind the panels has revealed timber window sections and panels which date back to the original structure.
And cavities exposed by the 1992 installation of the railing for the cladding also needs upgraded.
Councillors are now faced with the choice of a complex investment programme which would cost at least £ 21 million – or a complete rebuild.
A consultation is set to take place with residents in a bid to find the right way forward for the flats.
It comes as North Ayrshire Council approved plans to demolish Irvine’s five skyscrapers.
An official statement from South Ayrshire stressed cladding panels in Ayr have been passed as “non- combustible and in line with the building regulations and fire standards in place in 1992”.
But it’s findings deeper within the building which are causing concern.
The statement read: “The survey findings confirm there are no significant structural issues with the properties – which are almost 50 years old – but the cladding system has reached the end of its design life and needs replaced.
“The Steni cladding panels – and the rockwool insulation immediately behind them – were the subject of an independent inspection last year following the Grenfell Tower fire in London.
“The recent full structural survey involved a more invasive approach, including the removal of the cladding and the insulation, as well as works to ‘ core’ into parts of the walls and other parts of the structure.
“The works not only confirmed last year’s findings regarding the cladding and insulation, but gave a much clearer picture of the existing external fabric of the buildings.
“This included the identification of findings the council was previously unaware of.”
Joe Lafferty, chair of the River Ayr Tenants Assocation, insisted there could be a future for the flats moving forward.
He said: “Our tenants association is pleased to see the council – once again – being proactive and quick off the mark to keep tenants informed of the findings from this latest survey.
“We’re encouraged to hear the positive feedback on the overall structural condition and longevity of the high- rise flats and look forward to continuing discussions with the council regarding any further improvement works or alterations that may be required.
“There’s obviously a much wider discussion to come about the longerterm future and I welcome the confirmation that the association and tenants will be fully involved in this.”
Our tenants association is pleased to see the council – once again – being pro- active and quick off the mark Joe Lafferty