£6m sprinklers plan for all tower blocks
PROPOSALS are being drawn up to fit sprinklers in every tower block in Stockport at an estimated cost of up to £6m.
A review of fire safety in the borough’s 22 high rises, which are home to 3,500 people, is being carried out as a matter of emergency following the Grenfell Tower disaster in London.
The review is continuing but has already concluded that it is possible to retro fit sprinklers and Councillor Sheila Bailey, executive member for housing, says this move is a must.
Plans will have to go before - and be supported by - the council’s scrutiny and executive committees before work can take place.
Coun Bailey said: “A proposal is being prepared at the moment and must go through the democratic process, but I want this to happen.
“There is no other decision that can be made given what we have seen in the past few weeks and what we now know.
“The initial costs will be between £5-6m 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 could.
“A fitting legacy to those who lost their lives would be that we never, ever see such a horror again.”
Coun Bailey raised the prospect of fitting sprinklers at a council meeting last Thursday and says there was no indication of opposition from any members.
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 off for fire safety testing, but it is not thought to be the same type as used at Grenfell Towers.
Flats have also been leafleted with safety advice. 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 are known to 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.”