Inverkip fires: Residents’ rodents concern as rubble left behind

RESIDENTS on a street in Inverkip, where a fire destroyed two houses, have complained about debris left there after it was demolished.

It has been claimed to attract rodents to the area.

An inferno last month tore adjacent freestanding lots on Findhorn Crescent and gutted the homes of the Smith and Devine families.

Homeowners of neighboring houses on Findhorn Crescent claim the rubble lured mice onto the street and say it is also a “danger to the public”.

A resident, who did not want to be named, told the telephoto: “We were informed that the rubble would be removed within 10 to 14 days after the houses were demolished, but we have not heard anything since then.

“Some of us contacted the Council and received no response.

“It’s worrying that not only could someone throw a match on the site and start another fire, but there are now mice in the area.

“I’ve been here for over 20 years and have never heard scratching on my floorboards – it’s a health hazard to the street.”

The Findhorn Crescent resident added, “The families are such nice people and it’s terrible that all this rubble is still there almost a month later.

“We all want them to get home as soon as possible, but the longer it’s unattended, the longer the families in the area will be.”

The site was fenced off after the local demolition company Caskie Limited demolished the buildings after the fire.

Inverclyde Council says disposal is the responsibility of homeowners through their insurance companies.

A spokesman said: “We have taken action under the Building Scotland Act to demolish unsafe buildings after the house fires.

“We then fenced off the site to prevent access.

“Our legislative responsibility extends only to making safe a building that may pose a threat to the public.

“The responsibility for clearing the demolition rubble rests with the homeowner through their insurance.”

The council added: “Regarding the allegations of infestation, we visited the site and found no evidence of rodents present.”