Updated statement - Cladding at Braithwaite House

Update statement: Cladding at Braithwaite House

Cllr Diarmaid Ward, Islington Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:  “As a landlord, safety is our number one priority and we will do whatever it takes to ensure people are safe in our estates.

“Last night (Thurs June 22) we received results of tests on cladding on the side of Braithwaite House, and they have confirmed the presence of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM).

“We’re arranging to have the cladding, which is only on the sides of the building, removed as soon as we possibly can by a specialist contractor.

“We’re also stepping up safety measures in the block immediately, with fire safety patrols taking place day and night from today until the panels are removed.

“Our housing staff were at Braithwaite House last night to carry out fire checks and clear any obstructions in communal areas.  We’re also taking advice from London Fire Brigade and will follow all their recommendations. 

“We know this news will be distressing to residents.  We have organised a drop-in session with residents today and also there will be an information point at St John’s Street Area Housing Office.”

NOTES:

Islington Council has sent samples of cladding from eight council blocks to the Buildings Research Establishment for testing.  So far the council has only had the result for Braithwaite House.  The other buildings are on the Harvist Estate and Brunswick Estate.  We will let residents know the outcome of the tests as soon as we can.

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