MP critical of Coltness cladding catastrophe
Work to install thermal cladding in properties has been taking place as part of government and council initiatives to tackle fuel poverty.
The Wishaw & Motherwell MP was joined by representatives from GMG and ProCast (the companies carrying out the work). Also in attendance were council officials, local councillors and residents.
ProCast is a Scottish Government contractor and GMG carries out work on behalf of the local authority.
The firms are installing the cladding to homes that are unsuitable for cavity wall insulation. These properties are known as non-traditional homes.
The projects are being overseen by the council and problems arose over complaints about scaffolding, anti-social behaviour and residents not understanding why only some properties were being cladded.
Mrs Fellows said: “I arranged the surgery to ensure residents had the opportunity to put their issues directly to contractors and get answers on resolving the problems plaguing the community.
“Contractors must now meet residents’ expectations. The complaints I have heard have been utterly unacceptable and, in some cases, sound like a nightmare.
“Everyone who is entitled must benefit from the scheme.”
Murdostoun Labour councillor Nicky Shevlin added: “The ethos of the scheme is good but seems to be poorly organised.
“We did have a meeting when all the work started, but no one seems to have their act together.”
A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “We are working closely with residents to deliver an ambitious multi-million pound investment programme.
“There are a variety of property construction types within the Coltness area and certain types of render or insulation are not suitable for some properties.
“This makes it a complex matter to deal with and we will continue to work closely with our residents.”