More than 3,000 homes and 57 blocks of flats with potentially dangerous staircases have been identified by Newcastle City Council.
The ‘Ranch’ style staircase design, which features horizontal guarding, is classified as a category one hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
Concerns about the staircases were raised last year, with residents warning that children use them as ladders or try to climb between the horizontal boarding.
A council spokesperson said removal works to communal staircases were ‘already well underway.’
‘Residents with a Ranch style staircase do not need to do anything at this stage and they will be contacted directly once their replacement works are scheduled.’
They added that if any residents had any safety concerns, they should contact the council.
