STUDENTS could no longer return to flats in Argyle Street after a bid to get licensed failed.

The city council rejected applications for the flats in 1331 Argyle Street near Kelvingrove Park, once a petrol station.

Councillors heard how a fire hazard in the block had been known about since 2016 but the company had failed to act on it.

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Property manager George Roger of Galenco Property (Jersey) Limited was left speechless when a councillor accused him of not being concerned about the risk to life.

Councillor Graham Campbell said: “I would be very upset, if I were you.

“You don’t seem very concerned about the risk to life.”

A company restructure meant it had to reapply for a new house of multiple occupation (HMO) licence to the council.

The 116 students will be able to remain in the 13 flats until a 28-day appeal period is over.

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They would also be able to stay if an appeal process was carried out.

If the appeal is unsuccessful, the company would need to reapply for an HMO, usually one application a year is allowed.

The removal of the licence means just two students could reside in the six-bedroom flats until a licence is granted.

Every new application requires a fire safety inspection.

An inspection by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service revealed ventilation issues that would aid the spread of smoke and fire in the event of a fire.

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It emerged the company had been aware of the issue and promised to fix it as early as October 2016.

Mr Roger vowed the work would be done “within a month”.

But ultimately, councillors were not convinced following a lengthy session of questioning.