The lives of people living in crime-blighted flats in Perth and Kinross could be transformed by security door upgrades.
Homes which have been subjected to regular break-ins, vandalism and fires across the county are to be fitted with new entry systems to keep out unwanted visitors.
The new programme of security improvements for council-owned blocks of flats is being rolled out after a successful £300,000 pilot in Perth’s Strathtay Road.
The council’s housing and health convener, Councillor Dave Doogan, made the announcement during a visit to blocks that already have the secure entry system.
He said: ”These works will increase the security and wellbeing of everyone who lives in these blocks. It will improve their quality of life considerably.”
Around 600 blocks are to be fitted with secure door entry systems, as well as emergency stair lighting.
The blocks at Strathtay Road, comprising a total of 99 flats, have suffered from various forms of anti-social behaviour in the past, and so were chosen as a pilot scheme prior to the overall secure door entry contract being rolled out.
The works carried out at Strathtay Road included installation of new secure door entry systems to eight multi-storey, multi-tenure blocks; fire stoppage works and the installation of new emergency lighting to all communal areas; the application of fire retardant paint to internal areas.
The next phase of the project will start next month in the Letham/ Hillyland areas of Perth.
Mr Doogan said: ”Perth and Kinross Council is committed to providing all of its tenants and owner/occupiers with well-maintained, secure homes that meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.
”This represents an investment for the council as, by reducing anti-social behaviour in communal areas, repair costs will be reduced.
”I’m sure this programme will be warmly welcomed by everyone who lives in communal blocks, many of which are here in my ward in Letham and Tulloch.
”I am delighted that as a council we are able to undertake this work, which demonstrates our commitment to our tenants across Perth and Kinross.”