Moredun, in the South of Edinburgh, is home to six high rise blocks of flats.  Each is fifteen stories high, with six households per floor, and like many such blocks they date back to the mid 1960’s.

 

Like residents of high rises everywhere following the horrendous events at Grenfell, there was a palpable sense of shock and disbelief amongst locals at the horror that had just unfolded – coupled with real concern and anxiety regarding the safety of their own homes.

 

We were approached by many tenants with concerns and questions we were simply not qualified to answer, yet it was clear that families, particularly those with young children, needed and deserved those answers.  After discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, it was agreed that we call a public meeting where both of these parties could address residents and answer their questions.

 

Nearly fifty folk attended.  But if we thought the meeting would reassure people and allay their concerns we could not have been more wrong.  Tension was clear from the very beginning.  The Concierge, whose job it is to inspect and maintain the blocks, were again and again verbally attacked for perceived failings to act – stairways were crumbling, fire alarms missing or damaged, fire doors wedged open or broken, windows broken, gaps under front doors – the list went on. 

 

The anger was palpable and only skillful Chairing by an Edinburgh Tenants Federation staff member kept the meeting in order.  The Concierge admitted failings and admitted being slow to act.  Promises to improve, and to spend whatever money was needed to complete the repairs needed speedily, were met with cynicism.  The extent to which trust between the residents and the Council had broken down was laid bare.