HIGH rise housing blocks in Johnstone and Paisley are to be assessed as part of a condition survey. 

The council has awarded an £868,000 contract to Concrete Repairs Limited which will assess all 14 multi-storey council blocks to understand their investment and maintenance needs over the next decade.

The decision to award the contract was made at a meeting of the council’s Finance, Resources and Customer Services board.

It is the latest move Renfrewshire Council has made in ensuring all high-rise blocks are safe and fit for purpose following the Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017.

Councillor Jim Paterson, deputy leader, said it was vital the council committed to investing in its housing stock.

The SNP man said: “I am pleased to see this contract has been approved and will follow with interest the outcome of work.

“Having been brought up in a multi-storey block in Glasgow, which has long since been demolished, I have always shown a keen interest in the condition of the two multi storey blocks in my ward [Renfrew South and Gallowhill] at which I have a monthly advice surgery.

“It is my opinion that we should not only be looking to ensure that these properties are safe but also desirable places for residents to stay and I would welcome any investment following the conclusion of the assessment works, particularly to the foyer areas and lifts.”

The contract received unanimous approval from board members and it is anticipated the assessments will start at the end of March.

The surveys will be carried out at the 13 council-owned high-rises in Paisley and at Provost Close in Johnstone.

Paisley properties which will be assessed include Calside Court, Camphill Court, Gallowhill Court, George Court, Glencairn Court, Gleniffer Court, Hamilton Court, Maxwellton Court, Nethercraigs Court, Rowan Court, Speirsfield Court, Union Court and Williamsburgh Court.

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