Safety measures at a Lochee multi have been slammed after one tenant claimed faulty bin chutes and missing seals have been a “constant” complaint.
The former member of the Phoenix Tenants’ Association said issues relating to fire safety had been on the group’s agendas for months.
However, the council’s housing convener John Alexander said they were taking a “proactive” approach to fires in the multis.
Safety issues have come to the fore again recently following a string of fires but the tenant, who refused to be named, said complaints about the security of bin chutes and other issues were “constantly on the agenda”.
He said: “Every six weeks meetings would take place between the Phoenix Tenants’ Association and Dundee City Council. On the agenda each and every time were the (same) issues.”
He believes the effects of the last fire on tenants, who suffered some smoke inhalation, could have been lessened if the safety concerns had been acted upon.
Firefighters found multiple seats of fires in the bin chutes during the latest blaze.
The tenant claimed issues including chute bin rooms not being secured at ground level, wrong types of bin chute hopper covers being incorrectly fitted and hopper covers missing plastic seals were always on the agenda.
Also included was the issue of seals missing from landing fire exit doors and doors leading to chute rooms.
He said: “Lack of action and poor management of Dundee City Council’s housing department continues to counteract items on the agenda that the tenant association tries to put forward.
“Pretty kitchens and bathrooms and fuel-efficient homes are not the priority when tenants do not feel safe in their home.”
However, Mr Alexander insisted the council was taking action.
“Housing officers are working very closely with Police Scotland, community safety wardens and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to consider a multi-agency response to these fires,” he said.
“The housing department takes the issue very seriously. It is essential that we work to increase awareness, including working with tenants to deliver a long-term solution.”