WARWICK District Council has taken measures to reassure residents about fire safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Letters have been sent to tenants living in the 371 properties in high rise blocks owned by the council, highlighting and reinforcing the fire safety arrangements in place.
The council has seven high rise blocks providing residential accommodation as council tenancies – Eden Court, Southorn Court, Ashton Court, Christine Ledger Square, Radcliffe Gardens, Stamford Gardens and Westbrook House.
The routine procedures are:
• Weekly fire alarm testing and health and safety checks
• Daily checks on landings for obstructions and fire hazards
• Emergency repairs in communal areas to fire doors, glass panels, closers, blocked chutes etc
• Working closely with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service to ensure risk assessments are up to date and relevant.
flats have smoke detectors fitted
• Monthly tests of emergency lighting
• Fire evacuation notices are displayed in all communal areas.
As well as actions regularly taken, the council has reinforced its advice to tenants to ensure communal areas are free of fire risks and obstructions.
It is also encouraging residents to report any repairs or issues in their block.
A spokesman said although the council believed all its blocks met high standards of fire safety, additional safety checks were being made in the light of concerns raised by this week’s events.
And the council plans to continue to monitor developments as a result of the fire in London and will review arrangements in line with advice given.
District council housing spokesman Coun Peter Phillips said: “Following the tragic fire at Grenfell House I would like to express my deepest sympathy to all families affected by this terrible event.
“I would also like to reassure our residents that following the fire we have inspected all our high rise blocks and that we have advised tenants of the checks that we have in place. I also want to reiterate that the safety of our residents is a top priority.”
