COUNCILLORS in Levenmouth have agreed a series of mitigation actions to support tenants as improvement work to two blocks of high rise flats in Methil progress.
Fife Council is investing £7 million at Swan and Memorial courts following recommendations made in a consultants’ report last year.
Improvements include internal fire stopping work to communal and tenanted areas in both blocks; the replacement of external wall insulation; the replacement of older kitchens and bathrooms; and the upgrade of existing heating systems to improved, energy efficient and cost-effective electric heating systems.
Tenants are expected to face some disruption over a limited period, Fife Council said – with contractors set to be working for a period of 18 months to two years, which the local authority said will cause more disturbance than a normal improvement project.
As a result, area committee members have approved a range of measures to mitigate the disturbance. This includes a disturbance allowance of £1,500 per property, which will be paid in three instalments of £500 and tenants will have access to fuel poverty payments while external cladding removal work goes on.
Further to this will be two daytime decants which will be available to book for any residents who would prefer to remove themselves from their property while work is ongoing, as well as the possibility of two night-time decants for tenants who work a nightshift
Councillor Judy Hamilton, spokesperson for Fife Council’s housing and building services, said, “Improving the fire safety of our tower blocks in Fife and the safety of our tenants and residents is paramount, and it made perfect sense for us to take this opportunity while completing the cladding work to upgrade these tower blocks.
“We acknowledge there may be a short-term impact for tenants and that’s why we’ve brought forward these mitigating measures, but the long-term benefits of this investment cannot be underestimated.
“Providing high quality, energy efficient affordable homes will not only improve the health and wellbeing of tenants and reduce fuel poverty within the blocks, but this programme of works will also make a positive contribution to the council’s refreshed climate plan and the local housing strategy by improving the energy efficiency to the EESSH2/net zero standard.”
