Review of cladding used on city flats after tower tragedy

AN INDEPENDENT review of all cladding on Cardiff council’s high-rise properties has been announced in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The council has written to residents saying it has carried out assessments at all its high-rise homes.

Yesterday, police said 79 people are now confirmed either dead or missing, presumed dead, after the blaze in London last week.

The council owns nine high-rise blocks of flats. They are Lydstep Flats, Gabalfa; Beech House and Sycamore House, Holybush Estate Whitchurch; Loudoun and Nelson House, Butetown; Channel View, Grangetown; and The Maelfa, Llanedeyrn.

The highest block is 16 storeys. Grenfell Tower is 24 storeys.

The letter says while the buildings were re-clad in the 1990s, it was using “fireretardant materials, different from those used in London”.

But it says in order to reassure residents, an independent firm of consultants will be brought in to “review the integrity of existing cladding systems”.

It adds that no new cladding will be used on high-rise blocks until the review is completed, that includes the proposed scheme to over clad the Maelfa and Channel View.

It is believed the type of cladding on the outside of Grenfell Tower could have contributed to the speed at which the fire spread.

The council statement reads: “Fire rise assessments have been carried out on all our high-rise properties, this together with other measures such as the removal of items from the communal areas, smoke alarms in flats and daily checks by a caretaker, help reduce the potential for the spread of any fire.

“Council officers work closely with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the blocks are as safe as possible. Joint fire training events have been carried out at most of our high-rise blocks to strengthen our procedures. The fire service has advised that the safest place for residents during a fire is their own home, unless their property is directed affected by the fire. We have been in contact with the fire service and this advice has not changed. If there is any change to this guidance we will inform you immediately.”

It adds: “Your safety is our utmost concern and in order to satisfy any doubts you may have, we will be engaging an independent firm of consultants to review the integrity of existing cladding systems. No new cladding will be used on high-rise blocks until a full review has been completed and further consultation has taken place.”

Anyone with concerns is advised to contact the Tenant Participation Team on 029 2087 1777.