Improvement works at two blocks of flats in Methil have been given the green light by Fife Council.

Tenants living in the council-owned flats are to benefit from a £4.5million package of works following a fire safety review.

Councillors supported the programme drawn up for Swan and Memorial Court after a review suggested the external wall insulation (EWI) used on the buildings in 2012 and 2013 potentially posed a higher risk.

The local authority is working in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who continue to provide support and have robust procedures in place in relation to firefighting operations within high-rise buildings.

As a precaution the Council has taken the view that the existing cladding should now be stripped down and replaced with mineral wool EWI as soon as possible at a cost of between £2m-£3m.

At the same time, a range of other improvements will now also be carried out which will enhance the 156 households occupying both blocks.

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These will include the replacement of kitchens and bathrooms with the installation of appropriate fire stopping in each flat; an upgrade of the electric heating system to Infra-Red Heating already installed at Forth View flats in Kirkcaldy; and the installation of a new fire evacuation alarm system to both blocks.

The total cost for all the work – estimated between £4 million and £4.5m – will be met over two financial years from existing budgets, and the programme of works is due to run from now until September 2024.

Councillor Judy Hamilton, Fife Council's housing and building services spokesperson, said regular reports will be made to the Levenmouth Area Committee as the works progress.

"Improving the fire safety of our tower blocks in Fife and the safety of our tenants and residents is paramount to the Council," she said.

"While replacing the external wall insulation in this instance, it makes perfect sense for us to take the opportunity to upgrade the tower blocks to EESSH 2 standard to realise all the benefits that would bring, and it’s also only right to upgrade both blocks simultaneously to further reassure people living in the area.

"These works will be delivered at pace to ensure that the highest standards continue to be met and that tenants can be reassured that they remain safe in their homes at Swan and Memorial Courts."

Councillor Colin Davidson, convener of the Levenmouth Area Committee, added: "I'm delighted to see Fife Council act so swiftly on this issue because tenants’ safety is of course our top concern here.

"We will not compromise on safety standards and we hope that the steps we are taking to raise standards further will be welcomed by everyone."