WORRIED families in high rise flats in Dunfermline want answers over fire safety from Fife Council.

After the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in London, locals living at Urquhart Crescent have become increasingly concerned about plans to install insulation on the external walls.

Several residents told the Press they had received letters from the council about the plans.

But now they want experts to visit them and give detailed information about the materials to be used before planning permission is granted.

Pam Hogg, 50, of 29 Urquhart Crescent, said: "I am not reassured that the materials they will use are safe. Are they really fireproof?

"I am no expert so we need someone to come out. In this block we have pensioners and disabled people so it's worrying. There's no sprinklers and no information on what we do in the event of a fire at all."

Isabelle Brennan, 54, of 27 Urquhart Crescent, added: "It's not something I even thought would be a worry until last week, but now I am concerned about it."

Meanwhile, residents in flats on Broomhead Drive claim they've had no communication from the council since the horrific fire in London last week. 

A tenant who wished to stay anonymous told the Press: "It is very worrying that no-one has come round to speak to us or even leave a letter. They put on over cladding on the building last year and I need clarification as to what materials they use. 

"Steel frames and concrete floors should contain a fire long enough for fireman to tackle it but it was like watching a children's nightdress go up in seconds at Grenfell Tower. We're told, like them, to just stay in your flat too. 

"It's absolutely terrible."

Urquhart Crescent features five-storey blocks built more than 50 years ago. Like many local authorities across the country, the council is installing insulation in a bid to conserve energy and tackle fuel poverty. 

A planning application has been submitted for the work this week but it does not detail any of the types of materials that contractors will use on the walls. 

However, the council has confirmed that they do not use the same over cladding system as used in the flats in London and began inspections of multi-storey blocks yesterday (Wednesday). 

John Mills, head of housing services, said: "Following the tragic fire in London, I can categorically say that Fife Council does not use the same over cladding system as used in the Grenfell flats.

"We are beginning a series of technical inspections to multi-storey flats in Fife on Wednesday, 21st June and this process will run for 12 weeks. Face-to-face visits to our tenants in high rise flats will begin on Thursday, 22nd June to give them reassurance and answer any questions they may have. 

"We do need to focus on our multi-storey flats, particularly where over cladding has already been installed.

"I can reassure tenants and residents at Urquhart Crescent that no over cladding works will start without full information to tenants."