Our council properties are safe, says leader
Stirling Council’s leader has given assurances the authority’s properties are safe in the wake of the Grenfell Tower blaze in London - but that nothing is being taken for granted.
Councillor Scott Farmer opened the full council meeting on Thursday by outlining the fire safety measures and precautionary steps being taken to ensure the safety of residents.
And he said the council would also be contacting private landlords to stress their responsibilities to tenants.
Councillor Farmer added: “Following the horrendous events at Grenfell Tower, London, I felt it was important to convey a statement of reassurance to our communities, especially those residing in flatted accommodation, that the council is taking a proactive approach in reviewing our fire safety measures across tenures.
“Within our housing portfolio there are 1,360 properties with external wall insulation; the majority of these are traditional two-storey properties. All external cladding systems used were directfixed systems with a cement-based external render applied directly to the insulation.
“We have a limited number of five-storey properties and three of these are externally insulated. Each has a different insulation system but they all used cementbased render applied directly to the insulation boards.
“One property at Mayfield Court is currently subject to further testing on the materials used.”
Councillor Farmer said rain screen panelling - thought to have been a major factor in the Grenfell Tower fire - has not been used on any properties in the council’s portfolio.
But he added that, following discussions with Fire and Rescue Scotland, the council has begun installation of linked heat and smoke detectors in all its five storey properties, along with the installation or upgrading of emergency lighting.
“Last week the council issued letters to residents within five storey blocks in Stirling, concerning housekeeping and stressing the need to keep closes clear for fire safety reasons,” added Councillor Farmer.
“Council staff and Fire and Rescue Scotland colleagues are currently working through proposed inspections of four and five-storey blocks, undertaking precautionary checks and upgrading prevention in properties as appropriate to ensure they are as safe as they can be.
“Traditional hall accommodation and more recent new build accommodation at the University of Stirling were recently inspected and, as of June 16, no issues of concern were raised.
“Properties which are deemed to be of higher risk, such as homeless hostels, already have integral fire detection systems and sprinkler systems in place.”
Councillor Farmer said that, following discussions with the council’s chief executive Stewart Carruth, the council would be communicating with private landlords about their responsibilities around fire safety, including HMOs and Fire Safety Regulations.
“In summary, there are no properties which appear to be affected in the manner which is understood to have contributed to the fire at Grenfell Tower, London. We will continue to remain vigilant and aim to minimise risks around fire safety for everyone in our communities, and will continue to take advice and guidance as the national discussion progresses.”
We will continue to remain vigilant and aim to minimise risks