A GREENOCK senior citizen says the communal drying areas in his revamped block of flats are a 'health and safety hazard'.

John Gurney says the drying areas in Cartsdyke Apartments have been left unfinished after a major £2m refurbishment in 2017.

Nearly two years on he is furious that nothing has been done to improve the drying areas.

Housing bosses at River Clyde Homes deny there is any problem and say other residents are using the drying areas.

But Mr Gurney says the condition of it is unacceptable.

He said: "This is supposed to be a nice room to come and hang your washing.

"But instead it's a health and safety hazard.

"There's bare wires coming out the ceiling, so it's a danger.

"The room looks like something you would see in a block of flats waiting to be demolished rather than a place that has been refurbished.

"The communal drying areas on all 12 landings are in the same condition, as they've not been properly finished.

"It's also damp so it's stinking.

"My family can't believe it has been left in that state - they have not finished the job."

John, a retired shop steward who worked at Kincaid's, says he's complained 'umpteen times' to River Clyde Homes about the situation to no avail.

He said: "Two weeks ago River Clyde Homes came out and I showed them the room.

"They said they didn't have the money to address the situation."

John added that he's disappointed that a new CCTV system has not been fully rolled out.

He added: "Speakers were supposed to be installed in the foyer so that residents could instantly call for assistance if necessary but this has not happened."

Elaine Cannon RCH service improvement manager, said: "We are aware of the concerns raised by Mr Gurney as our staff have already visited him at home.

"There are no hanging cables within the drying room area nor is there a smell of dampness.

"In fact the drying rooms on all floors are used on a regular basis by our customers.

"The block benefits from a fully operational CCTV system which is monitored by our 24/7 customer experience team.

"The provision of call points in the foyer where our staff can communicate with customers will be reviewed in the next phase of our CCTV programme."

She continued: “In recent years, Cartsdyke Apartments has been transformed by a £2m investment and is a popular place to live.

"The improvements include: external wall insulation, triple glazed units in all flats, the installation of an energy efficient biomass district heating system, an upgraded foyer and laundry area, painting within the block as well as the installation of the CCTV system.

"More recently our community caretaker service has been introduced and our customers are benefitting from an on-site community caretaker Monday – Friday from 8am to 4pm maintaining the block and assisting customers with any tenancy matters.”