Sprinklers plan for all town’s 22 high-rises
£5M UPGRADE LIKELY TO BE REPEATED ACROSS GREATER MANCHESTER AFTER GRENFELL DISASTER
SPRINKLERS could be fitted in every tower block in Stockport at a cost of around £5m – and potentially across the rest of Greater Manchester.
An urgent review of fire safety in the borough’s 22 high-rises, which are home to 3,500 people in 1,700 flats, is being carried out following the Grenfell Tower disaster.
The investigation is on-going but has already concluded that thousands of sprinklers can and should be fitted retrospectively.
The plan must go before, and be supported by, the town hall’s scrutiny and executive committees before work can take place but the council’s housing chief Sheila Bailey said the move was a must.
It is a move widely expected to be followed in other parts of Greater Manchester.
At least 46 tower blocks across the region are to have their cladding stripped after failing government tests.
Coun Bailey said: “A proposal is being prepared at the moment and must go through the democratic process, but I want this to happen.
“The initial costs will be between £5m and £6m, but it isn’t about money, it is about restoring the confidence of residents that live in our tower blocks and their safety. Nothing takes greater priority.
“In my view, it would be negligent if we didn’t do everything we possibly can. A fitting legacy to those who lost their lives would be that we never, ever see such a horror again.”
Coun Bailey raised the issue at the town hall’s latest full meeting – and said there was no indication of opposition from members in the chamber.
The 22 tower blocks, which are dotted around central Stockport and Brinnington, contain 1,700 flats.
As part of the review, ordered on June 16 in conjunction with Stockport Homes, cladding from six tower blocks was sent for fire safety testing, but it is not thought to be the same type as used at Grenfell Tower.
People living in the flats have also been given safety advice leaflets.
It is expected the overall safety review of tower blocks will be completed by the end of summer.
Both Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and the Fire Brigade Union support the introduction of sprinklers.
Coun Bailey said: “Stockport Homes already maintains a policy which significantly exceeds the legal requirements for fire risk assessment.
“They have invested almost £5m in the last five years upgrading fire safety.
“However, all perceived wisdom on fire safety in tower blocks that was acceptable on June 13 was shattered by what happened on June 14 and reviewing and reconsidering is called for by every local authority.”