THE FUTURE of Ayr’s high-rise flats will be discussed following the findings from a structural survey.

The survey works were undertaken at the three 13-storey high flats at Riverside Place in Ayr, which provide 234 homes.

It’s aim was to provide an accurate and up-to-date picture of the overall structural condition of the buildings.

Findings confirm there are no significant structural issues with the properties – which are almost 50 years old – but the cladding system has reached the end of its design life and needs replaced.

The Steni cladding panels – and the rockwool insulation immediately behind them – were the subject of an independent inspection last year following the Grenfell Tower fire in London.

In consultation with the tenants at the flats, Councillors will need to consider the impact of these findings on the long-term future of the buildings, given the amount of work, disruption and investment that could be required.

Councillor Philip Saxton, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Customer Services, said: “First and foremost, we can take comfort in the knowledge that the risk of major fire development and spread remains minimal as the main structure of the buildings, the cladding panels and the major insulation layers are non-combustible.

“At such an early stage, we’re not in a position to answer the big question, which is what this means for the long-term future of the buildings.

"Our focus will be on working with tenants to consider this in much more detail and ensure they are involved and consulted.”

Joe Lafferty, Chair of the River Ayr Tenants Association, said:“There’s obviously a much wider discussion to come about the longer-term future and I welcome the confirmation that the association and tenants will be involved.”