Up to 57 high-rise buildings in Glasgow contain combustible cladding, it has been revealed.

Earlier this week, Holyrood's local government and communities committee was told by the city council combustible cladding had been discovered on some properties above 18 metres while looking back over the plans for the buildings, which records indicate may contain Aluminium Composite Material (AMC).

In addition, council official Raymond Barlow told MSPs that neither the owners, residents or fire service were aware of the material.

However, the council stated there was "no suggestion that these buildings are a particular fire risk" and said it was important people did not "panic".

In a letter to the local government and communities committee, Council Leader Susan Aitken said she has instructed officers to "liaise immediately" with the local Scottish Fire and Rescue Service around the list provided to the Ministerial Working Group earlier this month "to discuss with them any support they can provide in conducting initial inspections of the properties".

-- Advertisement --

She said: "In response to a request from the MWG on 20 June, Glasgow City Council (GCC) reviewed Building Control records and provided information to the Scottish Government on 5th September 2017 regarding 57 domestic properties above 18 metres, which records indicate may contain Aluminium Composite Material (AMC).

"Since then, GCC have been liaising with colleagues in the Scottish Government around the additional information requested by the Ministerial Working Group (MWG). It became clear that the information presented is not yet a complete picture and for this reason, the information was not made public.

"I have instructed officers in the council to take the Scottish Government' offer of assistance to expedite this investigation, given that we now have additional clarity about what is required and I believe that the additional information the Scottish Government seeks, and which Glasgow City Council holds, can be provided by the end of next week.

"I have also instructed officers to liaise immediately with the local Scottish Fire and Rescue Service around the list provided to the MWG earlier this month, to discuss with them any support they can provide in conducting initial inspections of the properties.

"I understand that the intention of the MWG was always to ensure that residents in properties with ACM cladding would be made aware of this once any implications for owners and residents were known. Glasgow City Council will inform residents in affected properties, by letter, when the additional information has been gathered.

"I will ensure that the committee are kept up to date with the council's work and its conclusions."

(LM)