A £4.5 million project that has seen around 450 blocks of council flats fitted with new secure-door entry systems is near completion.
The scheme to build secure doors on the buildings across Perth and Kinross has been ongoing for the last five years and has included the installation of emergency lighting with a battery back-up, when needed.
Phase four of the programme, which involves 115 blocks and will cost more than £1 million, will be completed this month.
Councillor Peter Barrett, Perth and Kinross Council’s convener of housing and communities, recently visited some blocks of local authority flats in North Muirton in Perth and highlighted the importance of installing the secure door-entry systems for tenants.
“The security and safety of tenants and residents who live in these blocks is of utmost importance to the council,” he said.
“This improvement programme means people who live in the blocks now have control over who comes in and out of their close.”
He added: “There have been a few incidents in the past where problems have been caused in closes by people who should not have been there. These new systems will help prevent this and also give residents general peace of mind.
“All the blocks who have the new secure door entry systems now comply with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. This has been a major investment by the council which will improve the lives of the people who live in the blocks.
“This work represents only a part of the council’s capital improvement programme. At the moment, there are on-going projects to replace windows and doors, install central heating, upgrade kitchens and bathrooms and improve energy efficiency in our housing stock.
“This is what tenants have told us is a high priority for them, and it means we will continue to have some of the best social housing in Scotland.”
