CALLS have been made for sprinklers to be fitted to all high flats across Clydebank in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

An investigation last week found there were no sprinkler systems in more than 300 high-rise buildings across Scotland – including 22 in West Dunbartonshire.

Since 2005, all new buildings require sprinklers but there is no requirement to retro-fit systems.

Jackie Baillie MSP, who represents neighbouring Dumbarton, said the Scottish Government should provide extra funding for councils to make improvements in the wake of the deadly Grenfell Tower blaze that cost at least 80 lives last month.

Clydebank’s MSP Gil Paterson agreed if reviews found sprinklers are required, then “so be it”.

Buildings in West Dunbartonshire have dry riser systems to pump water to other floors.

West Dunbartonshire Council said it would wait for recommendations after enhanced fire safety risk assessments are carried out.

The call comes even as figures show the number of fires in high flats in Scotland is at an eight-year low.

There were 238 incidents reported in 2016/2017 in buildings 10 storeys or higher, down 52 per cent from the 499 fires in 2009/2010.

It was also a substantial drop on from 314 the year before.

Ms Baillie told the Post: “Lessons must be learned from the horrific fire at Grenfell Tower and we need a review of existing building regulations and their enforcement. There are hundreds of families living in high-rise flats in our local area and their homes should be subject to the same high standards as newer buildings.

“The government has a responsibility to work with councils to put in place a programme that will ensure the highest safety standards in all high-rise flats, which would include sprinkler systems.

“To simply leave any programmes to improve safety to cash-strapped councils would not be acceptable and the Scottish Government must be willing to put in place the resources to ensure all high-rise housing in Scotland is to the highest safety standards.”

Glasgow Housing Association confirmed to the BBC last week 67 of its buildings across the region didn’t have sprinklers.

A 2015 report to the Scottish Government concluded it would not be cost-effective to fit sprinklers except for at-risk groups, such as the elderly or those with mental health problems.

The Scottish Government said it is carrying out a “thorough and critical review” of regulations.

Mr Paterson said: “Immediately after the Grenfell Tower disaster the Scottish Government formed a ministerial working group to review building and fire safety regulations. This review will be thorough and add to the very stringent rules the Scottish Government already has in place.

“Grenfell Tower, however, was a game-changer and mustn’t be allowed to happen again. I fully support the Scottish Government’s action on this and when this review is complete we can assess the best course of action, and if sprinklers are required then so be it.”

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said the authority is awaiting the assessments from independence enhanced fire safety risk assessments on all their domestic multi-storey buildings.

Assistant Chief Officer David McGown, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s director of prevention and protection, said: “The installation of sprinkler systems can provide a cost effective, and potentially lifesaving intervention in the early stages of a fire.

“The SFRS recognises the value these installations can add, whilst acknowledging that they may not be appropriate in all cases when applied on a risk basis.”

He added they work with councils and housing associations to ensure the safety of all occupants, particularly through free home fire safety visits.