THE First Minister has been asked to step in over an abandoned building hit by a fire that local people have branded a 'death trap'.

The former Promat factory building in Springburn, also known as the Germiston Works, was badly damaged by fire on May 31 with local people told to stay indoors and keep windows closed.

Local people, businesses and politicians have warned the abandoned site has become a danger.

Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, asked Humza Yousaf to help identify what powers the council or government could have to act to make the site safe.

Last month, the Glasgow Times reported how business owner Raj Sinha, Paul Sweeney, Labour MSP and Thomas Rannachan, Labour councillor, warned the site is a risk to safety.

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Glasgow Times:

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow Times:

READ NEXT: Fire-hit factory in Springburn in Glasgow labelled a hazard

The site was the scene of a huge fire lasting 11 hours as fire crews fought to bring it under control.

Now Doris has used First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood to highlight the lack of powers to take over the building.

He said: “A recent serious fire at the abandoned Promat factory in Springburn left local communities enduring stifling smoke and fumes for two days, with firefighters putting their lives at risk.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service informs me that the site is a major hazard and a danger to anyone who enters it and that, given its scale, it cannot possibly be made safe.”

The MSP said the council does not appear to have the ability to force the owners to act or to clear the site itself.

He asked the First Minister to meet to discuss possible actions to ensure the safety of the community.

Yousaf said he would arrange for a government minister to take the matter up and see if there is anything that can be done.

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Glasgow City Council said the building is the responsibility of the owners and isn’t currently considered dangerous, which means it is not thought at risk of imminent collapse.

It said the Building Standards team will react if the council receives any further calls reporting possible issues.

Mr Sinha, whose business premises is adjacent to the Promat site, told the Glasgow Times in June: “It can’t be left like this, it is a death trap and we are concerned that it’s just a matter of time before something extremely serious happens.

“Someone needs to take accountability and responsibility immediately.”

Paul Sweeney, Labour MSP, said: “People are worried about the building’s past as a former asbestos factory and are rightly worried that when fires are being started that their health could be at risk.”