THE cordon around the site of the Glasgow School of Art will be significantly reduced - and a number of businesses and residents will be able to return to their properties.  

Glasgow City Council’s Building Control team this afternoon took control of the site of the major fire which happened late on Friday night.

The site - which includes the north end of Sauchiehall Street - has been passed to the council as the emergency response to the fire begins to draw to a close.

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The council has reminded the public there remains a risk to safety, and that “a substantial” exclusion zone will remain in place for the foreseeable future while the council works to establish the condition of buildings involved in the fire.

Plans have been established to base business advisors at Sauchiehall Street to help affected traders.

A number of residents have already been provided with temporary accommodation.

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: “Our building control team has now assumed responsibility for the site of the Mackintosh Building and the other affected properties.

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“The cordon that was around these properties will be reduced, which will help many of the businesses and residents that were evacuated in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“However, a substantial cordon will remain for the foreseeable future, as the condition of these buildings is assessed - and I understand that will be a significant worry to those still unable to get access.

“This is a dynamic and complex situation, but we will work with residents and businesses to give them as much clarity as we can, when we can.”

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Affected traders should contact Business Glasgow on businesssupport@glasgow.gov.uk or 0141 276 5333 for more information.

Residents who had, up until now, made their own arrangements should contact the council’s homelessness service if they require help and advice. Call 0800 838 502 out-of-hours or the North West team on 0141 276 6168 during office hours.