Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
High rise tenants told they are safe
Cladding is not type used on Grenfell
North lanarkshire council have moved to reassure residents living in its many tower blocks that “robust” fire and safety procedures are in place following the grenfell Tower tragedy.
A total of 79 people are either dead or missing presumed dead after last Wednesday’s blaze in the London high-rise, while more than 70 other residents remain in hospital.
The North Kensington tower had recently been renovated and external cladding fitted and this has now come under scrutiny after it emerged more fire- resistent cladding could have been used – although the cause of the blaze is yet to be established.
There are 48 tower blocks across North Lanarkshire, with several of these located in Airdrie and Coatbridge, and the council have confirmed none of them are fitted with the same sort of cladding.
Des Murray, assistant chief executive at the local authority said: “The safety and well-being of residents in our 48 tower blocks is our absolute priority.
“In line with guidance from Scottish Fire and Rescue, we have developed robust fire and safety procedures to help safeguard those living in our high rise accommodation. This includes caretaker staff being fully fire warden trained, safety guidance issued to all residents and regular fire risk assessments carried out.”
Mr Murray continued: “In recent years we have invested heavily in refurbishing a large number of our tower blocks including cladding works which meets all statutory building standards requirements. In addition, North Lanarkshire was the first local authority to replace plastic cable ducting with metal ducting for added safety.
“I would like to reassure people living in our tower blocks that we take all precautions to minimise the risk of fire and we work closely with our tenants and colleagues in the fire service to ensure the towers are a safe environment to live in.”
Mr Murray confirmed that none of North Lanarkshire’s tower blocks contain integrated sprinkler systems and added: “We take advice on fire safety from Scottish Fire and Rescue and are continuing to review all appropriate preventative measures.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are making officers available to undertake Home Fire Safety visits, in order to provide further reassurance and advice.
Any tenant or resident wishing to book a Home Fire Safety visit should contact the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 0731 999 or visit firescotland.gov.uk