Statement: Fire safety in high-rise blocks

Cllr Diarmaid Ward, executive member for housing and development, said: “We will do whatever it takes to ensure people are safe in our estates. There are many fire safety measures and adaptations available – nothing is off the table and we are prepared to look at everything.

“Of course, we will quickly and comprehensively act on any lessons and advice from the London Fire Brigade that emerge from the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

“We have undertaken a survey of our housing stock in line with the government’s instructions, and have carried out investigatory works on eight council blocks that have cladding.

“Samples of this cladding have been taken and sent to the Buildings Research Establishment for further testing.

“We will let residents know the outcome of the tests as soon as we are told, and will continue to follow the fire brigade’s advice to keep our residents safe.

“While we await news of the results, we are writing to all tenants and leaseholders to reassure them and explain the actions we are taking.

“We are also pointing them to the fire brigade’s advice for people living in different types of accommodation, and reminding them to keep their escape routes, including communal walkways, clear and free of hazards.

“We have also put on hold all planned work to install cladding on council properties.

“It is important to be clear that all of our council housing and estates fully comply with current fire regulations and are regularly inspected.

“We have a robust risk assessment programme, assessing some blocks every year and checking every block at least every three years.”

Notes

As per government guidance, 126 buildings of six storeys and over were assessed, leading to investigatory work on eight tower blocks that have cladding. These are on the Harvist Estate, Brunswick Estate and at Braithwaite House. Cladding samples from buildings on both estates and Braithwaite House have been taken and sent to the BRE for testing.

Islington Council has put on hold all planned work to install cladding at Ilex House, Gambier House, Halliday House and Arlington House.

For further information please contact:

Stephen Moore
Senior Media Officer
Islington Council
Upper Street, London, N1 2UD
Tel: 020 7527 3224
Alternative contact: Media line 020 7527 2307
www.islington.gov.uk
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