Buildings are safe, say chiefs

Bosses at East Renfrewshire Council insist residents have no need to be concerned over cladding on any of its buildings.

The local authority said it has carried out checks on all of the properties it owns, including schools, residential properties and public buildings.

The move by the council followed the fire tragedy at Grenfell Tower, in London’s Kensington, in which it is believed around 80 people died.

Cladding on the tower block has been suspected of causing the fire to spread rapidly.

A council statement said: “We have compared our buildings to the construction risk factors that have been identified at Grenfell and have not identified any cause for concern with any of our properties’ cladding.

“Our residents’ safety is our highest priority and we will continue to seek advice and follow building regulations as set out by the Scottish Government.”

Earlier this week, we revealed that all cladding on high-rise flats in the Renfrewshire Council area meets building regulations, according to a probe.

Local authority bosses confirmed there were no breaches of standards during a review of all 14 blocks following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

An investigation revealed nine sites have been re-clad in the last five years, but all have been fitted with materials to inhibit the spread of fire.

Council officers have been working with Scottish Fire and Rescue to review safety plans for those living in the buildings.