A KILBIRNIE resident is worried that asbestos found in houses in her street could be present within other council homes across North Ayrshire. 

But North Ayrshire Council says that only a small number of properties are affected within the locality and that inspection work is ongoing. 

Residents of the Weir Construction council houses in the Fudstone area of Kilbirnie recently received letters from asbestos specialists, Rhodar, alerting them to the presence of the toxic substance in their lofts.

But one resident is concerned that asbestos might be lurking in other properties built by Weir Construction, which accounts for around five per cent of all North Ayrshire Council’s housing stock.

She told the Herald: “If that was this company’s practice in the 1950s to use this particular building method, it could be affecting every wooden house that’s been built here by Weir Construction. 

“It’s been found in every wooden house built in Kilbirnie built by this same company. There are similar houses in Dalry, Minishant, all over the place – were they built by this company too? God only knows how many houses are affected by this. 

“It could be much, much bigger than this small area. I know of people who have died from working with asbestos. It’s a scary issue. 

“There is definitely a lack of communication on the council’s part. They haven’t contacted us, and yet it’s such a serious issue when it’s affecting as many houses as it is.

“The ridiculous thing is that we got re-cladded a few years ago and they sent an asbestos surveyor round then and none was found. 

“It’s extremely worrying. Rhodar have said that they will clean as much as they can but what about possessions, all the photograph albums in your loft? It’s very scary.”

North Ayrshire Council confirmed that asbestos had been identified in a small number of its houses built by Weir Construction. According to the authority, all tenants living in Weir Construction homes have been notified and a programme of inspection and removal works is currently ongoing. 

The authority also wanted to reassure people that there is no reason to believe that any other design of council house is affected.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “Some tenants may be concerned but I’d like to offer my reassurance that every measure is being taken to deal with this situation effectively, efficiently and as quickly as possible.

“Our teams have moved quickly and a great deal of resources have been put in place to ensure that inspections and, if need be, the removal process happens as quickly as possible.

“We will also be on hand to offer guidance and advice to anyone with concerns. I would like to thank our tenants for their patience and assure them that we will endeavour to make this situation as manageable as possible for them.”

John Bell, Councillor for Kilbirnie and Beith, added: “I was aware that surveys for asbestos had been taking place throughout the council’s housing stock and a number of issues have been brought to my attention previously, including heating systems leaking and items in the loft having to be thrown out following the works to remove asbestos.

“While the works are disruptive, it is clear that if asbestos is present and a possible risk to the occupants, then steps to remove it and ensure safety must be carried out.”