New Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has called for an urgent inspection of publicly owned housing, to make sure that the cladding used in the Grenfell Tower tragedy is not being used in the city.
She said: “I’m sure responsible landlords have already begun the process of inspecting their properties to make sure this dreadful material is not in use in Bath.
“But I want to be certain that the council is on top of the situation, and that all reporting is done publicly. We don’t need any cover ups. It’s must all be out in the open. We cannot play with people’s safety.”
She also echoed Sir Ed Davey, Lib Dem Shadow Home Secretary, who pointed out that Tory run Kensington & Chelsea were sitting on a reserve of £270m, yet ‘apparently couldn’t find the money for sprinklers for Grenfell Tower’.
Wera added: “I know that in Twerton, we recently had a retrofitted house burn down in a very short time, and it is important that the council respond to the questions the Lib Dems have been asking about how B&NES, alongside our social housing landlords, are going to prevent a similar incident.”
Following the incident at Grenfell Tower, Bath & North East Somerset Council issued the following statement: “Bath & North East Somerset Council wishes to express its sympathy to all those affected by the tragic fire in Grenfell Tower, London. The Council also appreciates the concerns that people may have locally in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire.
“The Council has been liaising with the Government’s Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), who have asked all local authorities and housing associations to confirm the number and details relating to high-rise residential properties (6 or more storeys) in their control.
“The Council has responded to confirm that it does not control any such high-rise residential properties.
“The Council has liaised with Curo – as the only housing association in Bath and North East Somerset identified with social housing properties of this size – who have provided us with a copy of their response to the Government and also reassured the Council that Curo has up-to-date fire safety risk assessments for all such properties in their ownership.
“Avon Fire and Rescue Service has also stated that appropriate safety measures are in place across Bath and North East Somerset.
“We would also like to give the following advice to residents of high rises in Bath and North East Somerset:
- Ensure you have a working smoke alarm in your flat
- Make sure you are familiar with the layout of your escape routes without using any lifts
- All tenants should seek advice from their landlord about what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency within their property or block of flats, as their advice may be different.
“If you have concerns about fire safety in your home you can request a free Home Fire Safety Visit. Avon Fire and Rescue Service will visit your home to provide advice relevant to your circumstances and fit free smoke alarms if required.”
Visit https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/our-services/home-fire-safety-visits for more information.
“The Council can also confirm that the Abbot Alphege School, in Ensleigh, has been built by Rydon Group. The new two storey school has been constructed using a steelwork frame with cavity walls made from concrete blocks.
“The structural steelwork is protected using non-combustible products to British Standard, and was inspected during construction to the satisfaction of the Council’s Property and Building Control teams. There are no insulated cladding panels specified of the like seen at Grenfell Tower in London.
“The Council is also liaising with Curo to ensure that Curo’s Mulberry Park School in Foxhill, Bath – being built by Rydon – also meets the required standards.
“The Council is also committed to ensure that all Council building projects meet the necessary safety standards and building regulations, including procedures followed and materials used.”