NICHOLAS PAGET-BROWN QUITTING AS COUNCIL LEADER OVER GRENFELL
excellent standard, and has been certified. However we are not complacent and have taken the decision to remove the ACM cladding panels with careful management that minimises disruption for residents and our neighbours.”
Tyne Student Living, another block identified by the council investigation, is owned by a Dubaibased firm but managed by Fresh, in the UK.
A statement said residents have been reminded of fire safety regulations, and evacuation procedures but did not comment on whether Grenfell Tower-style cladding was present.
Liberty Living, which operates the Liberty Plaza sites, is investigating whether ACM cladding is present on its buildings.
Newcastle City Council confirmed an investigation has been launched and a spokeswoman said “safety and welfare of all residents and students is the highest priority” of the authority.
A statement added: “Since the tragedy at Grenfell Tower we have carried out a desktop exercise to discover which buildings over 18m high in the city may have ACM.
“Having assessed residential properties, both council-owned and registered social landlord, we have now turned our attention to private owned properties including student accommodation.
“We have looked at a number of student blocks over 18m and our investigations have shown some properties have used ACM in their construction.
“We must stress that we do not know for sure if these are combustible ACM cladding until they are tested as there are many different types.
“It is not our responsibility to test this cladding – that lies with the owner of the building.
“However, we have written to all owners to advise them that they may wish to have the cladding fire tested. We do not have the powers to enforce this.”
Despite concerns about cladding Alan Robson, assistant chief fire officer for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, moved to reassure parents and residents and described the fire safety for student blocks as extra stringent.
He added: “They have more comprehensive alarms systems.
“Students like to enjoy themselves and party so we offer ongoing support to universities to keep them safe.
“Regardless of what’s wrapped around them, they are specifically designed to allow people to evacuate.”
Newcastle University and Northumbria University said none of their buildings were fitted with Grenfell Tower-style cladding and both said they were working with Newcastle City Council in light of the findings.
A Northumbria University spokesperson said: “They are not our properties, nor are they our partner accommodation providers. We will, however, be advising students of these developments and taking the opportunity to remind all those in private accommodation to check the fire safety procedures with their landlord or provider.
“Students with any concerns can also contact our student support and welfare team for additional help or guidance.” THE leader of the council dealing with the Grenfell Tower fire has resigned following criticism of his handling of the disaster. Nicholas Paget-Brown said he had to accept responsibility for “perceived failings” by Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council after the tragedy which claimed at least 80 lives. “I have therefore decided to step down as leader of the council as soon as a successor is in place,” he said. Mr Paget-Brown thanked other London boroughs for their support, saying: “The scale of this tragedy was always going to mean that one borough alone would never have sufficient resources to respond to all the needs of the survivors and those made homeless, on its own.” He acknowledged many questions about why the fire spread so quickly would need to be answered by the public inquiry, and the council had been criticised for “failing to answer all the questions that people have”. He said: “As council leader I have to accept my share of responsibility for these perceived failings. “In particular, my decision to accept legal advice that I should not compromise the public inquiry by having an open discussion in public yesterday, has itself become a political story. “And it cannot be right that this should have become the focus of attention when so many are dead or still unaccounted for. “I have therefore decided to step down as leader of the council as soon as a successor is in place.” Downing Street said the council should have “respected” a High Court ruling that the press and public should be allowed into the meeting, which was originally slated to be held behind closed doors. The first cabinet gathering since the disaster claimed at least 80 lives was halted abruptly by Mr Paget-Brown on Thursday evening when reporters gained entry. A Number 10 spokeswoman said: “Our view is that access to democracy should always be easy and we think that is vital if people want to retain confidence in our democratic system.” Deputy leader councillor Rock Feilding-Mellen also stepped down, saying he would “of course co-operate in full with the public inquiry”. The organisation which manages Grenfell Tower in west London announced it had agreed its chief executive would “step aside”.