MSP calls for crackdown on ‘death-trap’ buildings

Backbencher David Stewart said his Building Repairs Bill would reform existing “ineffective” rules and allow councils the last resort of reclaiming the cost of repairs when the property is sold.

He said his move followed the death of waitress Christine Foster, killed in June 2000 when she was struck by falling masonry from above Ryan’s Bar in Edinburgh’s West End.

Mr Stewart said: “The tragic case of Christine Foster demonstrates why we must have much greater vigilance to detect the early signs of defective and dangerous buildings. Repairs absolutely must be undertaken before public safety is compromised. If repairs are not undertaken promptly, buildings can literally become death-traps.

“We must learn the lessons of this tragedy and improve the current system that is dogged by a backlog of repairs and a lack of proactive action.”