Local MSP Jackie Baillie has called for sprinkler systems to be installed in all high-rise tower blocks in West Dunbartonshire to address residents’ concerns over fire safety.

The call follows a BBC investigation which revealed that there are no sprinklers in more than 300 high-rise residential buildings across Scotland. There are 22 tower blocks in West Dunbartonshire without sprinkler systems, including 3 in Dumbarton at West Bridgend.

Under Scottish building regulations sprinkler systems must be installed in all new high rise blocks and residential care homes since 2005 but there is no requirement to retro-fit sprinklers in older buildings.

Labour has also urged the Scottish Government to provide the extra funding needed for councils to make improvements to fire safety.

Jackie said:

“Lessons must be learned from the horrific fire at Grenfell Tower and we need a review of existing building regulations and their enforcement. There are hundreds of families living in high-rise flats in our local area and their homes should be subject to the same high standards as newer buildings.

“Labour believes the government has a responsibility to work with councils to put in place a programme that will ensure the highest safety standards in all high-rise flats, which would include sprinkler systems. 

“Given the level of cuts to local authorities in recent years, the SNP Government must accept that it also has a responsibility not just to agree any improvements to safety in high-rise flats, but also to fund such programmes.

“To simply leave any programmes to improve safety to cash-strapped councils would not be acceptable and the Scottish Government must be willing to put in place the resources to ensure all high-rise housing in Scotland is to the highest safety standards