Tenants’ anger at bikes swoop

Heavy-handed claims after cycles are removed

Residents in Perth’s North Muirton district reacted with dismay and anger after bikes were removed over claims they were a fire hazard.

Perth and Kinross Council workers removed the cycles following requests and warnings about keeping common areas clear from obstructions.

But the council’s actions were felt to be heavy-handed, particularly as it was not clear where the bikes were taken to.

Earlier this month official letters stated “combustible material” must be removed from shared areas. Bikes were not specifically listed as risky items.

One North Muirton resident shared his experience with the PA. He claimed he saw council employees using bolt cutters to free bikes from railings to take them away.

And he said the official area where cycles and scooters were meant to be stored has been allowed to deteriorate so much, it has gone “beyond use”.

Letters from the council alerting residents that items in the common landings had to go because of fears about fire risk appear to have been hand delivered and did not reach everyone.

“Most people in my flat didn’t remove their bikes, as the letter goes on about furniture and inflammable stuff, but no mention of bikes,” our source pointed out.

“So they thought they were complying with the letter that was received. The letter is rather ambiguous about what’s acceptable and what’s not.

“We received letters previously this year about bikes and scooters blocking the close, and I guess they had a fair point, but I phoned up my local office and pointed out where I kept my bicycles and they in no way obstruct anybody’s escape route if there was an emergency.

“On the day of the inspection I’d received no word of negativity from the council, so I assumed they agreed that storage or obstruction was not an issue.”

It now appears the bikes have not been scrapped, but can be collected from the council on condition they are not stored outside flats on stairways.

But the council’s actions have sparked confusion and anger.

A resident who contacted the PA said: “In short, today felt like an attack on bike owners. People returned from work to find their possessions had been taken without any clear notice.

“How dare the council act in such a way? They even put up notices after the Grenfell incident in all hallways, and again there is no mention of bicycles. None of these bikes posed a risk. It was pathetic what went on today and in my books, it’s theft.”

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council responded: “Following the tragic events in London, the council’s area housing teams have been carrying out fire safety visits and close visits to our blocks of flats, to check communal areas for any items which either present a fire risk (for example, discarded rubbish, prams or large items of furniture) and/or could prevent safe exit from the building in the event of a fire (eg washing machines, bikes, scooters).

“Where these kinds of items have been found, a letter has been delivered by hand to all residents in the block, asking that the owners remove the items within seven days and ensure they are either stored within their homes or disposed of, depending on what the items are.

“Any items not removed by owners within that time are being uplifted by the council. Bikes/scooters are being securely stored and owners will be able to collect them but these items must not be stored in closes in the future.

“In no way do we wish to cause distress to residents, however as the landlord we have a duty to ensure all appropriate steps regarding fire safety are taken.”

None of these bikes posed a risk. It was pathetic...in my books, it’s theft