High-rise assurance

Housing bosses are to drive home the fire safety message to high-rise residents in Sunderland after the horrific Grenfell Tower disaster.

At least 12 people died when flames tore through the 24-storey block in

north Kensington on Tuesday night, leaving people trapped on upper floors – some holding babies out of windows and others jumping from their flats.

Gentoo owns and manages 26 high rise buildings in Sunderland, containing more than 2,000 homes.

Chief executive John Craggs said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic news from Grenfell Tower and our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

“At Gentoo we are committed to ensuring our customers feel safe in their homes. We are confident we exceed all statutory and regulatory requirements in relation to fire safety and we work jointly with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) on what is one of our key priorities.

“From a customer safety perspective, we have a range of safety measures in place, including extensive fire and heat detection measures; 24-hour concierge service which monitors fire alarm activations in individual flats and fire prevention advice in conjunction with TWFRS.

“Our local teams will be contacting customers living in high rise buildings across Sunderland over the coming days to reinforce the measures listed above and to confirm our ongoing commitment to keeping them safe.

“As part of our ongoing monitoring and review of fire safety, we carry out fire risk assessments to priority buildings on an annual basis. The most recent assessment was carried out by an external independent specialist, which gave us further assurance on the effectiveness of the measures we have in place. To ensure continued compliance, we also have a rigid Permit to Work Policy which prevents unauthorised work from being carried out in these buildings.”