Police step up stairwell blitz

TENEMENT stairwells have come under the spotlight as police attempt to crack down on antisocial behaviour.

More than 130 stairs were checked for hazards as part of Operation Stair Safe to identify any issues ahead of the approaching cold weather.

The initiative – a joint venture between the city council and Lothian and Borders Police – took place over three days at the end of October.

Teams focused on 11 streets in the Southside/Newington areas, where last winter a number of fires started in communal stairwells.

They discovered six front doors and 18 back doors unsecured; 101 bikes being stored in 136 stairs checked; and they made seven referrals for hazardous dumped items. In addition, 1222 information leaflets were posted to householders.