Extra tower block checks and inspections underway

Updating on the council's response to the Grenfell Tower fire in west London, Cllr Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council, said:  

“We extend our sympathies to all of those affected by this tragedy as the terrible scale of its impact emerges. We understand the concerns held by our residents and we are determined to move as quickly as we can to reassure them about the safety of their blocks. We know that cladding design on our buildings is not the same as that used on Grenfell but the council has already begun expert testing into the materials used and we will be in a position to report on this over the next two days. On-site testing from inside buildings has begun and cladding samples have been removed from buildings to be taken away and tested.

“In the mean time we have introduced a range of measures, over and above our already robust fire safety regime, to check and ensure that blocks are as safe as they can be. This additional assessment work includes a sweep of corridors to make sure they are clear of obstructions and anything that is potentially flammable. We will also be working with residents to test white goods (PAT testing), assessing fire doors in properties and we will be providing fire safety advice fire safety to residents. Our housing teams will be highly visible to our residents over the coming days and we want anyone who has any concerns to let us know so we can provide the information they need.

“In doing all of this work, the council is working side-by-side with district management committees, respective residents’ associations, our local MPs, and the London Fire Brigade, to check that fire safety measures and procedures within these buildings continue to meet the latest advice and guidance for all properties. We are ready to respond to any changes to fire safety advice following this tragic fire and we will provide a further update once testing has been completed.”

Any residents who have any concerns can contact their housing officer though Contact Camden on 020 7274 4444.