B&NES Council has expressed its sympathy to those affected by the fire in Grenfell Tower in London, and has also addressed concerns from local residents in the aftermath of the incident.
Grenfell Tower in London | C. Hoyer / Shutterstock.com
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 responded to confirm that it does not control any such high-rise residential properties.
The Council has also liaised with Curo – as the only housing association in Bath and North East Somerset identified with social housing properties of this size – who provided them 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 also stated that appropriate safety measures are in place across Bath and North East Somerset.
The following advice has been issued 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 confirmed 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 like those 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 says it is also committed to ensuring that all Council building projects meet the necessary safety standards and building regulations, including procedures followed and materials used.
