MP presses for assurances

MP Chi Onwurah is asking managers at tower blocks across Newcastle for safety assurances, following the Grenfell Tower disaster.

The Newcastle Central Labour MP, pictured, has met city council leaders and representatives of Your Homes Newcastle, the body which manages the council’s properties.

She said: “I have received assurances from Your Homes Newcastle that their tower blocks are as fireproof as they can be, and written to private tower block management requesting similar assurances.”

The Government has announced a judge will lead a public inquiry into the fire, but attention has focused on cladding used in a refurbishment which appears to have helped it spread.

YHN, which manages 38 high rise blocks on behalf of the council, has assured residents none of the buildings have the same type of cladding.

But the council is attempting to confirm privately-owned buildings in the city are not a risk.

Ms Onwurah, added: “My priority moving forward will be to work with the council, YHN and private management to ensure all dwellings in the area are as safe as possible to prevent such a terrible fire happening in Newcastle.

“I will also be working with Labour colleagues in Parliament to ensure the proper resources are available for local councils to meet safety requirement.”

Newcastle City Council has announced it is carrying out checks on residential buildings over 18 metres high.