Latest Update as at 18 June 2014

Please see below the latest update on progress from James Breck Ltd, received today from David Burrup:

• Please see attached document of pics of chimney G takedown. Note the depth of cement render and resulting damage to the underlying sandstone. 

• Works this week have been concentrated on chimney G rebuild, we hope to have the cope poured on Friday. The new render system will be installed next week (weather permitting). 

• The cupola glazing will take place this Saturday (21 June 2014), we would ask that owners take care when entering the upper properties in particular as men will be working overhead. 

• Lead work is nearing completion to chimneys CDE&F 

• Elevation masonry is also nearing completion to the front with the rear elevation masonry due to commence next week.

Chimney G as at 21 May 2014
 - Now you see it....

..and now you don't....Chimney G, gone,
as at 11 June 2014

Chimney G this morning 18 June 2014, both old and new, side by side on Montgomery Street.

 As soon as there is anything further, we will aim to keep you posted. 

Catriona 
for
BSORA

This could so easily have been ours.....!

Tenement front collapses in Glasgow
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-27766612

Front of sandstone tenement collapses in Glasgow

A large amount of masonry has fallen on the street and entrances to flats below

A large section of masonry has collapsed from a tenement building in central Glasgow, showering debris on to flat entrances and the street below.

Police have closed Baliol Street, in the city's Woodlands area, after the collapse was reported at about 13:40.

It is understood that no-one has been injured in the incident.

The masonry formed part of the top section of the blonde sandstone building. Emergency service and utility firms are in attendance.

The top section of the blonde sandstone building collapsed on Monday afternoon

Eyewitness Daniel Twist described how he heard "a big crack" like "a big clap of thunder" then saw the section of building come crashing down in a "puff of smoke".

"Suddenly people were trying to come out of their houses and I was telling them to go back in as I think it was safer," he said.

"We couldn't see that there was anyone underneath the rubble so I decided to call the fire brigade and the police.

"In that time someone came running over and said 'oh my God, that's my house there' and I said 'you're lucky you're here and not there'.

"We did start to smell gas and I said 'I think we need to get away from the area' because we could smell it was quite strong."

Mr Twist said he was glad that no-one had been injured in the incident.

Update as at 8 June 2014

Thanks to those that attended the BSORA meeting today.  

For the benefit of those that were unable to attend, the minutes can be found here (many thanks to Lesley) and the latest update from David Burrup at DM Hall, received Friday 6 June 2014 is as follows:

• Rebuild of chimney H complete
• Front elevation masonry currently in progress
• Lead works to be completed upon removal of chimney scaffolds G & H
• Lithomex repairs complete to front elevation.

See attached James Breck doc for photos of works in progress.

Zoomed in to see the new rebuilt Chimney H at the rear 3 June 2014

Removed stonework visible to the right
of the double window at 3F2.
3 June 2014

New stonework now visible to right of double window at 3F2
and also between the panes at 2F2 below.
6 June 2014

Vertical stone piece to edge of window at 3F2 removed
- visible lying on the scaffold.
5 June 2014

Vertical stone piece at 3F2 window 

now replaced.

6 June 2014

Vertical stone replaced to window at 3F2,
with new portion in place at the top 6 June 2014

Removed stonework from 3F2
- new stones lying on scaffold 1 June 2014

Stones removed by living room window of 3F2
- new stone on scaffold 1 June 2014

New stone in place to right of
double window at 3F2.6 June 2014

 ***********************

In the meantime, on 23 May 2014, we received the unwelcome news that contrary to the earlier assessment, Chimney G was actually unsafe.  Having been partially rebuilt in the past.  It is currently brick on disintegrating stonework.  A majority decision by those affected has been taken to rebuild it.  

Chimney G stone deterioration
May 2014 (1)

Chimney G stone deterioration
May 2014 (2)

Chimney G stone deterioration
May 2014 (3)

As ever, we will do our best to keep you up to date, or feel free to contact us at bsora@hotmail.co.uk . 

BSORA committee