THE council will not take any action on buildings in Dumbarton and the Vale following an independent review of its multi-storey properties.

But the local authority is set to remove external window panels on 11 high-rise blocks in the Clydebank area.

West Dunbartonshire Council commissioned an external expert to conduct comprehensive fire safety assessments of the 22 flats in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire in June this year.

The consultant has recommended that the panels below each window in 11 of the blocks should be replaced.

The checks raised questions over the composition of the material used within the panels and, although the panels meet current building safety regulations, the council is removing the panels from five blocks in Dalmuir, five blocks in North Drumry and one block at Kilbowie.

Work is underway to identify alternative panels and the removal and replacement programme will begin as soon as possible.

The independent assessor has stressed that the window panels “are not in any way similar to those installed in Grenfell” and has recommended the material is removed to ensure the buildings meet enhanced fire safety standards.

The reports’ findings have also been shared with the Scottish Government and West Dunbartonshire Council is recommending that all Councils and Housing Associations with similar properties across Scotland consider independent assessment of the properties.

Peter Barry, the council’s strategic lead for housing and employability, said: “Our priority is the safety of our tenants and that is why we took the additional step of commissioning enhanced fire safety assessments.

“By carrying out these checks that are above and beyond what is expected, we have been able to identify an area for improvement in the form of the window panels.

"I want to be clear that the expert is explicit in saying these panels are not the same as the external wall coverings that were fitted at Grenfell.

“However, we will replace them as quickly as possible to fully reassure the people living in these homes.”

Council leader Jonathan McColl said: “While I am reassured that we have no concerns about our cladding, we want to provide the best possible reassurance to our tenants.

"Having instructed an expert to carry out extended inspections on these buildings, we are taking further action based on their findings.”