Do you own a house, flat, or any part of a building? If you do then it is important that you read on.

South Ayrshire Council is keen to improve public safety and a vital part of this is making property owners aware of their responsibilities.

Property owners are responsible for ensuring that any buildings they own are maintained in a safe condition. Owners should inspect their properties regularly to see that they are in a safe condition, and carry out a planned programme of maintenance if required.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Convener of the Council's Community Safety Committee - "It is in property owners' interests to maintain their properties in a safe condition, and South Ayrshire Council is committed to improving public safety by encouraging property owners to regularly inspect their properties and carry out any necessary repairs."

The Council has a responsibility to deal with buildings that are dangerous, and if necessary to ensure that these buildings are vacated by the occupants. In addition, the Council has powers to take direct action to make buildings safe if the owners are unable to arrange for work to be carried out, and the authority to recover the costs from the owner of the building.

Grant assistance under the Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG) scheme may be available for owners of residential properties within designated town centre areas. Applications can be made for essential work such as roof and masonry repairs that need to be carried out in the interests of safety.

Anyone who would like further information or advice on dangerous or defective buildings should log on to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/buildingstandards , or contact staff by e-mail at Building.Standards@south-ayrshire.gov.uk, or telephone 01292 616253.

February 2006