THREE years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, West Dunbartonshire Council is still looking at measures to improve safety at the area’s high-rise flats.

At least 11 out of the 19 blocks across Clydebank and Dumbarton have been branded as a “tolerable risk factor” but three options have been highlighted in a council document in order to enhance their standard.

Three of the blocks are situated in Dumbarton and the remaining 16 in Clydebank.

The issue was discussed at last week’s housing and communities committee.

Labour councillor Gail Casey said: “I find it quite alarming that we had Grenfell in 2017 and here we are in 2020 and we are still more or less looking at things or checking them.

“We don’t seem to be doing anything. Three years is a long time to get anything done. I’m getting complaints from people in the Dalmuir high flats.”

Edward Thomas, housing operations manager, pointed out that the cladding systems used in West Dunbartonshire are entirely different to those used in the refurbishment at Grenfell prior to the tragedy in June 2017, in which 72 people died.

Mr Thomas said: “The fire assessor did invite us to look at the spandrel panels which are beneath some of the windows in 11 of our 19 properties.

“While he did say that the risk was tolerable, he did say we could further reduce that risk by having a look at those panels and at an alternative.

“The current panels perform well and are energy efficient. A steel panel would be safer but worse for energy efficiency. We now have two suitable options for the replacement of those panels.”

Peter Barry, strategic lead housing and employability, added: “I will never forget Grenfell, watching it unfold. It is our responsibility to do absolutely everything we can to prevent anything like this happening in West Dunbartonshire.

“Whatever you may think, it’s got nothing to do with an attitude or lack of commitment. It is our ambition to get it to the highest level which has caused the delay.”

A report will be brought before a future meeting of the committee.