CONCERNS are growing about the number of crumbling tenements in Govanhill.

The partial collapse of a property on Albert Road has sparked calls for a council strategy to ensure the safety of south side flats.

However, Glasgow City Council is clear that responsibility for property maintenance lies with owners.

As told in last night's Evening Times, the facade of 127/9 Albert Road partially collapsed overnight.

One half of the eight-flat building had been evacuated in April 2015 due to safety concerns and the other half more recently.

But concerned locals claim the property had recently begun to more rapidly deteriorate and they had raised concerns.

Meanwhile, a now evacuated tenement at 37 Annette Street was hit with a demolition notice from Glasgow City Council.

But owners have taken the council to court to oppose the decision and are waiting for a decision from the court.

In recent years there have been problems with several tenement buildings in the Govanhill area: another on Annette Street, Victoria Road, Langside Road and Allison Street.

Currently a property on Kingarth Street is fenced off and waiting repairs to an unsafe bay window.

A council spokeswoman confirmed building control staff had assessed the Kingarth Street flat but that the factor has taken responsibility for repairs.

Glasgow Times:

It is believed that building factor for Kingarth Street is Hacking and Paterson but the firm did not respond to a request for comment.

Local councillor Soryia Siddique said: "The council has mentioned Storm Ophelia being the cause of the collapse but this building has been empty for more than two years and we have known about the adverse weather for days."

She added: "Southside Central is a pressurised ward, known for overcrowded housing and buildings in disrepair.

"It is important that we maintain these buildings to avoid any more Allison Street situations.

"This specific instance is concerning because it has taken so long for any action to be taken.

"I have been contacted by residents previously who have concerns about this and have spoken to DRS about it.

"We fully understand that owners have responsibility for their properties but if the building goes into disrepair then it becomes a health and safety issue and the council needs to step in.

"There are serious concerns there is a pattern developing in the area and there must be a strategy for preserving properties."

One local resident said she had contacted the council 18 months ago with concerns that the Albert Road building's condition was worsening.

She said: "It's been hellish for the folk who lived there.

"I live around the corner and have been very concerned about the building for some time.

"Barriers were put up when it was evacuated but over time people have moved them in order to make parking spaces.

"It's become visibly worse over the last few weeks and months and I've worried for the safety of local residents and visitors.

"Hundreds of people walk past it every day to go to the train station and to go to Holyrood Secondary School, and lots of people park here for Hampden Stadium events.

"I've also been selfishly concerned about the area's appeal to buyers and what this debacle will do to house prices.

"I believe the structural issues were contained to that particular building and it's not an area-wide problem but it's still worrying.

"Clearly last night's collapse has prompted urgent action but it's ridiculous that it's taken this long for any repairs to take place.

"I'm relieved though that it sounds like it will be repaired and not demolished."

Factor Walker Sandford is responsible for the Albert Road flats.

A spokesman for factors Walker Sandford said: "The property was due to have major structural works in the next couple of weeks but unfortunately with the building being weakened, the storm has just brought the issue to a head and the front of the building has collapsed.

"There had been a general deterioration of the ties between the external wall of the property and the internal structure.

"Arranging repairs is not a simple task and has taken quite a long time to get through reports that have been carried out on the building.

"This is not something that occurs this often so it is not possible to say if two-and-a-half years is a long time for a resolution."

The spokesman said work would now be undertaken to bring down and rebuild the damaged part of the building.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council (GCC) said: "It is not unreasonable to assume there are many more buildings, locally and across the city, where extensive maintenance has been required - but that these have been dealt with by owners and not reached that point of crisis."

She added: “Glasgow has around 74,000 private homes that are around 100 years old or older.

“The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 sets out a legislative framework for addressing problems with the condition and GCC has a Scheme of Assistance, which sets out the practical support and financial help available to owners.

“However, the role of the owners is crucial – they are responsible for managing the condition of their property.

“It is also worth noting that, working with the Scottish Government, GCC has been acquiring and refurbishing private property in the area, to be managed by social landlords.”