Residents evacuated after Art School f ire declared homeless
PEOPLE who were forced from their homes in the wake of the Glasgow School of Art fire have declared themselves homeless in order to find temporary accommodation.
Around 60 residents were evacuated, with many still living out of plastic bags two weeks later.
Libbie Usher, who lives on the city’s Sauchiehall Street, has lived in five different hotels in the space of one week.
Miss Usher, 20, said: ‘They told me to pack for three days so I’ve only got one casual outfit and my work uniform.
‘I’ve had to declare myself homeless to get access to temporary accommodation but they’re struggling to find
‘They told me to pack for three days’
anything for a single person within my price range.’
Michael Argent, 30, who also lives on Sauchiehall Street, has been placed in temporary accommodation with his partner. He said that while the pair are not as badly off as some, they still visit Sauchiehall Street every day to learn if there are any updates.
The outcry from those dispossessed led to the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council announcing a hardship fund which will allow the worst affected to claim up to £3,000.
A city council spokesman said it was doing everything it could to support those affected by the fire, adding: ‘There are 33 domestic properties registered within the exclusion zone.
‘We are assisting 18 households who have become homeless with temporary accommodation and more with a variety of other issues, including applications to the Scottish Welfare Fund and dealing with landlords and insurers.’ The spokesman said some people had made their own arrangements but that support remains available at Glasgow Dental Hospital.
‘We understand that the main question people want an answer to is when they will be able to return home. However, that is not something we will even be able to estimate until significant progress has been made to make the damaged buildings safe.’
Raymond Barlow, head of building control at Glasgow City Council, said the burnt-out building could face partial demolition as a ‘sudden collapse’ of the south facade becomes ‘more likely’.
The work to dismantle parts of the building is expected to begin within days.
Meanwhile, firefighters have appealed for images and video of the horrific fire to establish how it was caused. Assistant Chief Officer David McGown said the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service wants to cast a forensic eye over them. Any images or video should be sent to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at glasgowfirejune2018@firescotland.gov.uk.
Glasgow School of Art and Keir Construction have confirmed the contract for restoration works of the Mackintosh building has been terminated. A joint statement said both parties had agreed it could not be fulfilled.
In 2016 the firm was given a £25million contract and works were due to finish in January.