Residents at Westfield Court in Edinburgh are up in arms after discovering that fire risks at the 1950s building are only now being addressed, despite being identified five years ago in a council report. An investigation is currently underway to determine why a detailed report commissioned in April 2020, highlighting severe fire risks at the Westfield Court flat block, was left unattended. The council has been accused of endangering lives through their lack of action, with the report explicitly warning about the potential for fire to spread rapidly between flats due to the building’s design flaws.
Residents were notified of the urgent need for fire safety works in a letter dated April 30th, with the council exercising emergency powers under the Tenement (Scotland) Act 2004 to address the risks promptly. Independent councillor Ross McKenzie expressed his dismay at the council’s inaction during an emergency motion to the city’s Housing, Homelessness, and Fair Work committee. He criticized the lack of transparency and accountability within the organization, calling for a stage 2 complaint response to allow residents to escalate the issue to the Ombudsman if necessary.
Marion Potter and Diane Baxter, two pensioners residing in Baxter Court, were shocked to learn about the unaddressed fire safety risks in their building. Mrs. Baxter raised concerns about the sudden urgency surrounding fire safety measures, questioning the financial implications for residents. Both women have experienced significant increases in maintenance and heating costs provided by the council, adding to their financial burdens. Despite efforts to seek answers from the council, residents like Miss Potter and Mrs. Baxter feel left in the dark about crucial decisions impacting their safety and livelihoods.
Not really sure why this matters, but Cllr McKenzie highlighted the challenges faced by residents in obtaining mortgages due to the building’s non-standard construction methods. The condition report outlined potential mitigations, such as installing smoke seals and fire stoppages, to enhance the building’s fire safety measures. Councillor Danny Aston expressed his concerns about the delayed response to the identified risks, emphasizing the need for immediate action and transparency from the council. An amended motion was passed by the committee, instructing officers to provide updates on planned fire safety works and ensure residents are informed about the proposed changes and costs.
In a statement, Lezley Marion Cameron, convener of the Housing, Homelessness, and Fair Work committee, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged to address the issue promptly. Eilidh Keay, chair of the tenants’ union Living Rent’s Edinburgh branch, criticized the council for neglecting their responsibilities and jeopardizing residents’ safety. She emphasized the urgency of implementing the recommendations outlined in the fire risk report, stressing that no one should live in a home with potential fire hazards. The council’s delayed response to the report has left residents like Miss Potter and Mrs. Baxter living in fear of a catastrophic incident.
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like the council has a lot to answer for in terms of their handling of the fire risks at Westfield Court. The safety and well-being of residents should always be a top priority, and it’s concerning to see such negligence in addressing critical issues that could have life-threatening consequences. As the investigation unfolds and corrective measures are put in place, the council must ensure full transparency and accountability to regain the trust of the community. Residents deserve to feel safe and supported in their homes, free from the looming threat of a preventable disaster.
