we warned a catastrophe was just a matter of time, SAY RESIDENTS
RESIDENTS told yesterday how repeated warnings – including previous fires – were ignored.
The Grenfell Action Group attacked the “ineptitude and incompetence of our landlord”, saying pleas to improve safety “fell on deaf ears”.
It had predicted “a major disaster” such as a fire with “major loss of life” because of “faulty” wiring and “terrifying power surges”.
A spokesman said: “We predicted that a catastrophe like this was inevitable and just a matter of time.”
Prior to yesterday’s blaze the group had said “only an incident that results in serious loss of life… will allow the external scrutiny to occur that will shine a light on the practices that characterise” their management. At its annual general meeting the residents’ group accused landlord, Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO), of “inept and highly dangerous management”.
The group also pointed to a fire at nearby Adair Tower, also run by KCTMO, in 2015.
Yesterday, KCTMO said: “The events of last night and early this morning are a tragedy.
“We wish to repeat our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all those who have been affected.” Its statement added that it was “doing everything it can to assist the residents and those affected” and “it is too early to speculate what caused the fire and contributed to its spread”. It continued: “We will cooperate fully with all the relevant authorities in order to ascertain the cause. “We are aware that concerns have been raised historically by residents. “We always take all concerns seriously and these will form part of our forthcoming investigations.” Last night, KCTMO chairwoman Fay Edwards said
advice for tenants to stay in their flats in the event of a fire had been correct.
She said: “I think it would be sensible because I don’t know how dangerous flats might be for people coming down.
“Also, then they know where people are if they stay in their flats.”
She dismissed concerns about any negligence which could have made the building more prone.
Ms Edwards was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2016 for services to the community.
An emergency meeting of her board was being held last night.
A spokeswoman for Kensington and Chelsea council said it “still owns the properties and retains responsibility for strategic housing policies,” but the management was separate.