Woman 'left homeless' after tenement in Hamilton evacuated due to 'risk of collapse'

A woman says she has been left homeless after eight flats in Hamilton were evacuated due to “risk of collapse” last week.

The properties on Quarry Street were evacuated at 12.40am on Tuesday after concerns were raised about the building’s structural integrity.

Residents were told that an issue was identified with a wooden support beam and that the building was in “danger of collapse”.

The street was closed between Low Waters Road and Graham Street, with locals urged to avoid the area.

Police banged on flat doors, telling residents to evacuate during the early hours of the morning.

One resident, who has spoken to STV News, had to leave the building with her three cats. She said she has been couch surfing following the evacuation.

South Lanarkshire Council is offering to house the impacted office worker in a Milngavie hotel, a 35-minute drive away; however, the resident is unable to retrieve her car key, along with the rest of her belongings, from the flat she owns.

Inspections of the building are being carried out. STV News

The woman, who has lived at the property for five years, has been left with just pyjamas and slippers to wear, with the rest of her clothes in the property.

The homeowner had no idea she lived in an unsafe building until the incident unfolded.

Council workers on site informed residents that these issues can take months to resolve, and when they are eventually allowed back in to collect belongings, they will need to be accompanied.

The woman feels as though she has been rendered homeless following the evacuation and that very little support has been provided.

She told STV News: “I look like I am going to be out on the streets.

“I’m getting nowhere with the housing officers or the council. I genuinely don’t know what I am going to do. I am absolutely distraught. I feel like I am at rock bottom in my life, I can’t believe that this has happened.

“All that I am trying to do everyday is find somewhere to sleep. The rug has been pulled from under our feet.”

The building has been fenced off to allow for inspections to be carried out.

A fundraiser has been launched by affected residents to allow them to “move into safe housing as soon as possible and regain stability”.

It has raised more than £6,000.

Fraser Carlin, head of planning and regulatory services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “The area surrounding the properties has been made secure with the erection of Heras fencing.

“Meanwhile, the Building Standards Service has instructed structural inspections of the building that should allow a decision to be made as to whether it is safe for anyone to access the flats or commercial units.

“Ongoing welfare advice is available for the owners and occupiers of the flats.”

MSP Davy Russell has been contacted for comment.