Tower strategy aims high

The tower strategy was developed following consultation with elected members, tenants and other stakeholders.

The positive impact of this was outlined at a recent meeting of the housing and social work services committee.

North Lanarkshire Council has 3,900 properties in 48 multi-storey blocks, comprising approximately 11 per cent of the council’s housing stock.

Councillor Sam Love, convener of the housing and social work committee, said: “It’s vital that the council has a strategy in place to effectively manage and maintain its multi story flats and ensure their future sustainability. “We want to make sure all our tower blocks are as safe and secure as possible, that they are all maintained in a good condition and are as energy efficient as possible. We’re committed to delivering improvements and by listening and responding to our tenants’ needs we’re making our towers more attractive and desirable places to live.”

The council will now work on key areas as part of the strategy including improving the accessibility of towers for tenants with mobility difficulties by fitting automated doors at main entries.

The local authority will also review the availability and use of common rooms within tower blocks; continue with kitchen and bathroom replacement programmes and heating replacement; work with police and partner agencies to provide a co-ordinated, targeted approach, to addressing antisocial behaviour within towers, and work with NHS Lanarkshire on initiatives to improve the health and well-being of tower residents.

The implementation of the action plan will be co-ordinated and monitored through a working group chaired by the head of housing services.