Complaints over safety of scaffolding in Coltness

RESIDENTS in Coltness, Wishaw, have raised concerns after what they feared was “unsafe” scaffolding had been erected around a block of flats.
The householders contacted the Wishaw Press regarding the scaffolding around a block in Coldstream Crescent at the weekend.
They claim the scaffolding poses a potential risk to children as it is easy for them to climb up.
They say the bottom rung is just two feet off the ground.
However, council bosses say the scaffolding complied with Health and Safety rules.
It was due to be taken down yesterday (Tuesday) as we went to press.
A resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “Last September a five-year-old boy was seriously injured after falling from similar scaffolding on another block nearby.
“He fractured his skull and also broke his wrist.
“I think this was because the scaffolding – like the latest set to be put up – was far too easy to access.
“I believe that the bottom rung should be at least six feet off the ground and accessible only with ladders and by the people who should be carrying out work.
“That way children – who through natural curiosity are drawn to construction sites – would be unable to climb up the scaffold and potential accidents would be avoided.”
The resident continued: “On the previous occasion the scaffold was erected for quite some time before any work was carried out.
“This latest lot was put up on Saturday and by late Monday afternoon I hadn’t witnessed anyone carrying out any work there.
“Hopefully, the work will be completed and the scaffolding taken away promptly.
“The last thing we want to see is another youngster getting seriously injured.”
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “The scaffolding was put up on Sunday and the work will be completed and the scaffolding removed by Tuesday (yesterday) afternoon.
“As with all other scaffolding work, it was erected in accordance with Health and Safety guidelines.”