Deliberate blaze leaves costly trail of destruction
THUGS who destroyed an affordable housing project in Balornock have been condemned by councillors.
Six figures-worth of damage is expected to have occurred at the Wallacewell Quadrant site after it was set alight around 7.30pm on Monday.
A total of 44 new homes for affordable rent were being built on the site, having received £3,172,603 worth of funding from DRS Housing and Regeneration Services in March last year through Glasgow City Council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme.
Councillors have now hit out at those who caused the “disappointing” and “devastating” blaze while vowing to crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Aileen McKenzie said: “I am extremely disappointed and concerned to hear about the fire in Wallacewell Quadrant, especially as it is reported to have been set deliberately.
“There was another instance last night where a group of youths were trying to set a fire in Springburn Park showing this to be an increasing problem in the area.
“I will be continuing to work together with Police Scotland and community groups to try and tackle anti-social behaviour.”
Cllr Martin McElroy added: “It is devastating to see the damage caused by the fire. It is only because of the professionalism of the Fire and Rescue Service that the damage isn’t worse.
“All the homes had already been allocated and many people had been expecting to move in soon. I’ve contacted Loretto Housing Association to see what support the council can offer to the residents facing the uncertainty of not knowing when their new homes will be available.
“These homes were being built to improve people’s lives. It’s not just the waste of public money that is devastating, but the fact that dozens of Balornock families do not know when they will be able to get into their new homes.”
Wheatley Group, in partnership with DRS Housing and Regeneration Services, is currently on site assessing the damage caused by the blaze.
Construction on the development started in August 2017 and was due for completion in February 2019.
While the overall extent of the damage has still to be confirmed, an email sent out to local councillors stated one block of four cottage flats that was being constructed has been destroyed, whilst additional blocks of flats that were being constructed on other parts of the site are expected to have sustained damage as well.
The impact of the incident on the development is due to be assessed when the emergency services allow safe access to the site.
Detective Constable Gillian Paddon from Shettleston CID said: “Extensive damage has been caused to the site where new homes were being built for the area and it is absolutely imperative that we trace whoever is responsible for this reckless and dangerous crime.
“I would appeal to anyone who noticed any person or people acting suspiciously in the area of Wallacewell Quadrant on Monday evening to please come forward. Anyone with information can contact Shettleston CID.”