Residents say ‘ lives in limbo’
Anger at council over response to roof collapse at India Buildings with some families kept out of their homes for more than a week
RESIDENTS claim they have been “left in limbo” by Glasgow City Council after the India Buildings roof collapse.
Scott Lindsay and his partner have been out of their Oxford Street home for more than a week following the collapse in the city’s Southside.
Scott claims Glasgow City Council has delayed issuing him and other residents with a letter for insurance companies and bills. They need this to cover the costs for somewhere to live and the standing charge of ongoing bills. He added that residents were promised they would receive the letter within “24 hours”.
This comes after we reported the council previously told residents they had to declare themselves homeless or find a hostel to stay in.
Scott, 39, said: “The council promised they would issue a letter that we could pass onto insurance. They said last Thursday that it would take 24 hours, and we have had nothing yet – it’s coming up to nearly a week.”
He added: “We are faced with sofa surfing and not knowing if our insurance will cover the expenses of temporary accommodation and the council are offering no support whatsoever. It’s ridiculous.
“They haven’t communicated with us at all. They have thrown us out on the street and made us destitute. It’s a nightmare.
“When we first got asked to leave, our hearts sank but now that we are in some waiting game, hoping this letter arrives, I’ve got to a place of anger.
“I’m angry that nothing has been done.”
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said an email was sent to residents which they claimed can be used for insurance, but Scott said organisations such as his internet provider will only accept an official letter.
Scott went on to admit the uncertainty of the situation has left him unwell.
He said: “I’ve had to have a couple of days off work because I am so stressed with the whole thing.
“We don’t know where we are going from one day to the next.
“I’ve been left unable to sleep, it’s all so mentally challenging right now.”
Adding to Scott’s stress is the need for clothes and essentials that he could not pack during the evacuation.
He claims he was told by someone at the site that the demolition work, which started this week, could last up to four months. However the council would not give any estimates on this.
He said: “We were given less than two hours to pack and get out. We were in shock, we didn’t even know what we were to pack.
“Someone from the council told us to bring medical supplies and essentially a change of clothes, and somehow they think that will last the estimated 16 weeks they have given us?
“I don’t think they have taken into account that people can’t get back into their properties, so we will need to pay for new clothes and accommodation on top of that.”
Glasgow City Council has said residents will be able to claim a rebate on council tax for the period they are out of their properties.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We are continuing to liaise with residents of 155 Oxford Street displaced as a result of the discovery of the adjoining
We don’t know where we are going from one day to the next
dangerous building at 37 Bridge Street, and have provided them with information that will assist them with insurers, utilities and other bodies.
“These residents will be able to claim a rebate on council tax for the period they are out of their properties.”