FLAtS SECuRIty BOOSt

A secure entry system will be installed at Aimer Square in Lochee by Dundee City Council after a majority of owners, occupiers and landlords gave their backing to the scheme.

The move came after numerous complaints about antisocial behaviour and drug paraphernalia being left at the block.

A ballot of owners, occupiers and landlords saw the majority vote in favour of the new system.

Owners are now being asked to stump up about £740 to fund the system, according to one resident, who believes the council is being unfair in the way the costs are shared.

Sean Reilly said he had been fighting for a new secure entry system for nearly a decade and believes all owners, occupiers and landlords should be liable for the bill — rather than just council tenants.

The 46-year-old said: “I’m an owner originally going to put in a secure entry system but they ran out of money.

“Apparently the private tenants won’t have to pay for it which I think is discrimination and victimisation.

“I don’t have a problem paying it. I jjust want to know if everybody is going tto be asked to pay the same amount.”

A letter sent to tenants stated that tthe council intended to install the secure entry system between December 11 this year and February 12.

The council is also offering a £250 ggrant to assist residents struggling to afford the payments.

Lochee campaign group Save Our High Street carried out clean-ups of the area after residents made their complaints known.

Police also stepped up patrols in the area in an effort to combat antisocial behaviour.

A spokesman f or Dundee City Council said: “While owners are being asked to pay their share we will try as far as possible to keep that to a minimum.”

RESIDENTS at a block of flats have won their fight for a new security system.

Jenny Pyrkos and Myles McCallum, residents of Aimer Square who have campaigned for action. Below, some of the Tele’s stories on the issues.