RESIDENTS displaced by the Glasgow School of Art fire are ‘preparing for the worst’ when they are finally able to return home next month.

Concerns have been raised that houses within the cordon could have been damaged or ransacked after their doors were kicked in by emergency services.

CASE STUDY: My poor little sister doesn’t understand why we can’t go home - neither can I

It is believed the doors were destroyed by firefighters ensuring that no one was left behind when the streets were evacuated.

A subsequent security breach is thought to have then led to police kicking them in again.

Vacant property management firm Orbis has been drafted in to board up the damaged doors and later billed tenants for the damage.

Residents are also facing increasing financial hardship as the £3,000 statutory payment the council made under the Housing Scotland Act 2001 has dwindled.

CASE STUDY: My poor little sister doesn’t understand why we can’t go home - neither can I

A provisional timeline of between the 21 August and 1 September has been given to residents as a possible ‘move in’ date but council bosses say no date has been set.

Adrian Nairn, of the Garnethill Displaced Residents Group, said there has been ‘rumours’ circulating that homes within the cordon have been looted.

He added: “No one knows what to expect. We’ve advised everyone to take pictures when they get in to make sure there is documentation of any damage.

“We know the doors have been boarded up because a few people were able to get through the cordon and some homes now have new locks.

"Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council have given us assurances on a number of occasions that our homes were secure and safe."

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I don’t think someone's been in and tidied the place up.

"I’ve spoken to some of the emergency joiners who put the panels up and they looked pretty rattled about what they’ve seen. That didn't reassure us either.

"It's become a full time job dealing with the fall out and dealing with neighbours who are traumatised.

"The building burning down was quite something and there are still people being moved around. It's not anybody in particulars fault - it just shows how unprepared they were."

Charing Cross Housing Association, who factor many of the buildings, have been praised for their ‘swift’ action and forward thinking throughout the evacuations.

Plans are currently being put in place to ensure residents are able to return to normality as soon as possible.

Services including gas, water and electricity will have to be switched on at the same time, joiners and locksmiths will have be present.

Some residents are also looking to get Environmental Health, pest control and refuse services on hand.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “We’re not aware of any break-ins.

“The council’s first priority is to get people back to their homes and businesses safely.

“We will revisit the cordon when it is safe to do so.”