A bid by the Conservative administration to revisit the demolition of Ayr’s high flats was resoundingly beaten at the last meeting of South Ayrshire Council before recess.
Depute Leader Lee Lyons, seconded by independent Bob Shields, sought to get answers on the status of work being carried out at Riverside Place, the full cost of the demolition, the steps the council would need to take to cancel the demolition and the consequences of such a decision.
He also sought a new report on how the council could refurbish the three blocks, along with the cost and timescale for such a programme.
Labour group leader Brian McGinley, who championed the replacement of the flats as part of the last administration, said that he was happy for councillors to seek information, but pointed out that the decision had already been taken and proposed an amendment to continue the current work.
Independent Alec Clark, who was given a senior role by the new administration having been part of the last one, said: “There is only one tenant left in high flats. All the rest have been relocated or temporarily relocated in new properties.”
He added that the buildings were ‘riddled with asbestos’ and questioned how any change in plan could be put in place.
Labour’s Ian Cavana agreed, adding that one of the main issues for his backing of demolition was the lack of fire and rescue equipment to reach the top of the flats.
“I’m sorry, the high flats are past their sell by date.”
SNP councillor Julie Dettbarn said that surveys had given the flats a lifespan of 20 to 25 years and questioned spending millions given this.
The Kyle councillor added that she was ‘appalled’ by the suggestion that the flats could be used for supported living accommodation for vulnerable people.
She told the administration: “Visit Fort St to see the standard of housing people require for supported living.”
Independent Bob Shields, who campaigned prior to his election on the issue of the flats said: “This is last throw of the dice for these flats."
Cllr Shields criticised SNP group leader Peter Henderson for suggesting there would be a need for more council housing ‘yet be happy to second an amendment that condemns a potential 200 plus council houses to death’.
He argued that asbestos could be controlled and that ‘the word is now more scary than the stuff itself’ and if managed could be ‘harmless’.
Cllr Shields also suggested that the figures for saving the flats had been ‘vastly inflated’ suggesting this had been ‘proved’ by expert witnesses.
“All I am asking is to give the council a bit more breathing space so that questions can be answered. Then the council can decide with the information in front of them.”
Director of place, Donald Gillies, expressed concerns about the project, pointing out that he would expect the asbestos to be removed during refurbishment work. He also suggested that the figure stated for refurbishment was given in good faith.
Mr Gillies also pointed out that the issues came to light after the Grenfell Tower fire and that the high flats had some weaknesses, such as potential fire transfer in the void between the cladding and concrete structure.
SNP group leader Peter Henderson said he found the timing of the request ‘very strange’.
He said that almost all of the information being requested was available and questioned why the then opposition Conservatives had never called the decision in during the last administration.
Cllr Henderson said: “This was not a decision which was made lightly. We need modern council housing to meet new standards.”
Depute leader Lyons had the final word, suggesting that Cllr McGinley was the only member to speak to the motion itself.
He said: “That was absolutely fascinating. so many people jumped in with a comment, question or observation. But I only noted one person in the room actually spoke to the motion, rather than inventing what it might or might not be about.”
The amendment to continue the demolition work was passed with 15 in favour against 10 voting for the motion.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
