NEW standards are being set to protect tenants in West Dunbartonshire’s high flats from fires.

Council bosses outlined their plans in a meeting last week in the wake of the deadly Grenfell Tower fire more than four years ago.

Councillors in September called for an update on the situation, saying questions still remained about “vital” fire risk assessments.

In their report to a full council meeting on October 27, housing bosses said a number of measures were introduced nationally, but they were also bringing in more changes locally.

The standards, in consultation with tenants, include installation of sprinklers in waste rooms, fire detection in all service areas, detection and alarms in all common areas, installation of manual call points, and a review of emergency lighting and implementing the recommendations.

There are three high-rise blocks in Dumbarton and 16 in Clydebank, with a total of 1,400 flats - together around 14 per cent of the council’s housing stock.

Smoke and heat alarms are required in all homes, fire safety standards have been reviewed and changed for buildings taller than 11 metres, such as rules for cladding.

In buildings more than 18m tall, there must be escape provision and sprinklers in a range of new housing.

Locally, the council has worked with Scottish Fire and Rescue to provide assurance to residents, as well as a comprehensive fire safety risk assessment at all 19 high-rise buildings.

There was no unsafe cladding on buildings such as that used in Grenfell.

New local measures include annual tenant safety visits, PAT testing for domestic appliances, and the right to request installation of additional sockets in tenant’s homes.

In their report to councillors, bosses said: “Whereas in recent years many local authorities, including West Dunbartonshire Council, have demolished or scheduled for demolition high rise homes, West Dunbartonshire has invested circa £20m to upgrade our remaining 19 blocks to ensure they remain a sustainable housing solution for our communities.

“The opportunity afforded through the pandemic has allowed the service to take stock and refresh our commitment to ensure that our Better Homes West Dunbartonshire approach ensures our high rise homes remain a housing tenure of choice, and as such we will deliver a new strategy to support high rise homes in consultation with tenants.”

Councillor David McBride moved a motion for an annual report to go to councillors on the enhanced living standards. It was agreed unanimously.