The building had lain derelict for more than five years following a fire before giving way around midnight on July 12. Residents of the neighbouring tenement on Kenmure Street were evacuated with only the clothes on their backs and, 25 days later, are still unable to access their properties.
It is understood there is currently no timescale available for when the building will be safe to access.
The impact of the Albert Cross tenement collapse has been “particularly acute” for those who have been forced from their homes for the second time in five years following the initial fire.
In the letter, seen by The Herald, local politicians are calling on Glasgow City Council to consider “all options that could allow for limited, controlled access for the retrieval of residents’ key possessions”.
In addition, they are asking the council to provide “direct financial assistance to those affected, in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances they face”.
There is precedent for Glasgow City Council to provide displaced residents with financial assistance. Previously, the council disbursed grants to those affected by the Sauchiehall Street fires via the Lord Provost’s Fund. Further afield, Perth and Kinross Council has recently committed funds from its earmarked reserves following a substantial building fire in Perth.
The council has been approached for comment regarding the possibility of renumeration for the affected residents.
Albert Cross tenement collapse (Image: NQ)
The letter states: “Displaced residents’ biggest ask is for safe access to their properties, either directly or by suitably qualified and indemnified third parties, so they can retrieve their most essential items.
“Having been made to evacuate their homes in the middle of the night without stopping to gather possessions has understandably placed enormous strain on them. Some face a loss of earnings because they cannot access vital work files or equipment.
“Others are struggling without access to vital paperwork and legal documents. All are having to spend substantial funds to buy items which they already own. Meanwhile, the insurance situation remains highly uncertain and potentially very protracted. This is clearly not sustainable.”
Residents who were evacuated are only able to be given access to their homes when it is safe to do so, and public safety is always the first consideration in such cases. The Herald understands that at present, no timescale can be given for this.
The Building Standards team has been in touch with residents since the evacuation, including issuing a Notice which enables them to stop paying council tax on the property during the period they will not be living there. In addition, the notice can be passed on to insurers whose policies could be able to help them with alternative accommodation.
Marissa MacWhirter is a columnist and feature writer at The Herald, and the editor of The Glasgow Wrap. The newsletter is curated between 5-7am each morning, bringing the best of local news to your inbox each morning without ads, clickbait, or hyperbole. Oh, and it’s free. She can be found on X @marissaamayy1