CONCERNS have been raised over the impact an imminent new law on fire alarms will have on residents.

From February 1, all homes in the local area must have a smoke alarm in the room that is used most often and another in every hallway or landing, as well as a heat alarm in the kitchen.

These alarms must also be interlinked – so that, if one goes off, they all go off – and mounted on the ceiling.

However, that all comes at a cost, with Scottish Government guidance putting the average bill for complying with the new legislation at more than £200 per home.

The rules had been due to come into force in February last year, in response to the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, but were delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

There have been calls for a further delay amid concerns over affordability and a shortage of the necessary equipment, as well as fears that failing to comply could leave home insurance policies invalid.

However, Housing Secretary Shona Robison has confirmed the February 1 deadline will remain in place, although she stressed that council chiefs have been told to take a “measured” approach to compliance.

She added that insurers are not likely to ask policyholders about the specific standards of their smoke alarms.

Labour MSP Neil Bibby, who represents the local area as part of his West Scotland remit, described the situation as “a fiasco.”

He said: “It beggars belief that ministers are still refusing to consider a delay, despite mounting chaos around the new rules.

“Most homeowners don’t even know these laws exist – and those who do are being hit by supply shortages and hefty bills. No adjustment to the deadline has been made in the face of the Omicron wave.

“There is also widespread concern about a lack of support for older and vulnerable people to make this change and about unscrupulous traders who may exploit anxiety about the approaching deadline. This is in addition to the potentially huge implications for home insurance.

“The Scottish Government cannot keep ignoring the mess they have made of this policy. They should delay implementation.”

However, Ms Robison said: “Having considered the balance of risks, I am clear it is not right to delay the legislation that is designed to protect and save lives.”