Midlothian Council has agreed to provide additional funds towards a fire safety project at a care home in Penicuik.

A total of £300,000 had already been agreed for the scheme at Pentland House. However, further funds have been approved by the local authority to appoint a specialist contractor for the works.

The project will see polystyrene removed from the building, which was hidden below insulated asbestos panelling, as it has been deemed a safety hazard in the event of a fire.

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Works include removing the Artex ceilings along with the timer framework and polystyrene. Council staff would then install new fire retardant insulation and replasterboard.

Cllr Derek Rosie, said: "It is an additonal cost to the £300,000 already agreed for this project. However, we can’t cut corners when it comes to residents’ safety. We need to follow best practice as to how to dispose of this material safely and that will come at a cost."

The property is due to open in spring 2017.

(LM/CD)