HOUSING chiefs are working on installing a CCTV system in Mountblow flats “as soon as possible”.


It follows residents saying they feel unsafe living in the high rises blighted by antisocial behaviour and deprivation.


Tenants say CCTV will help improve safety and the feeling of security — combating the climate of fear gripping the tower block.


West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) already has an extensive CCTV network and is now actively looking to extend it to the Mountblow flats.


A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesman said: “Work to extend our CCTV into the areas highlighted by residents is currently being developed. 


“These plans are still in the early stages although installation work will be carried out as soon as possible.”


Residents of the flats off Mountblow Road said last month that the council is failing to address their most basic security concerns, as street lights remain broken for weeks on end and continued calls for CCTV to be installed have fallen on deaf ears.


The demand for action came just weeks after a man was assaulted in a poorly lit area near West Court and a woman was mugged within the lift at Clyde Court.


As reported in the Post, the woman was mugged on July 18 when she went to deliver food to a flat within the high-rise block.


Resident William Gallagher, who has lived at West Court for 45 years, told how repairs were not being carried out either.


He said: “I’m really concerned that someone could get assaulted and thrown into the burn.


“Anything could happen and has happened. Where the lights are out, that’s where the guy was assaulted.”


Craig Edward, a local activist and community councillor, flagged the problem to the Post in December.


He said: “I greatly welcome the decision by WDC to install CCTV following years of torment for residents.


“Installing CCTV does not prevent crime, but it acts as a deterrent plus a source of corroboration for the police if there are any incidents.


“I know this will provide a sigh of relief to residents who have felt scared in their own homes after a recent mugging in the lifts.


“The focus now is to ensure the council do install CCTV in all the Mountblow multi-storey block communal areas and lifts, and for West Dunbartonshire Council to provide a definitive timescale for installation.”


Angela McGinley, a community councillor from Mountblow, welcomed the news. She said: “This is good news for the residents as the installation of CCTV is long overdue.”