FIRM WELCOMES INQUIRY

The construction firm behind a partial refurbishment at Grenfell Tower last year has welcomed the announcement of a public inquiry – and praised 999 teams.

East Sussex-based Rydon said it had offered its “full help and support” to investigators probing the cause of the fire that has killed at least 17.

The company restated that the partial refurbishment it completed last summer met all required building regulations, as well as fire regulation and health and safety standards.

A line in the firm’s initial statement, which said the work had met fire regulation and health and safety standards, was removed in a second public notice on Wednesday evening.

The £8.6m regeneration project, which saw new cladding and windows installed at Grenfell, was completed for Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation on behalf of the council.

Rydon’s latest statement said: “We welcome the announcement of the public inquiry into the tragic incident at Grenfell Tower. In the immediate term, we have offered our full help and support to the relevant authorities who are investigating the causes. We would also like to praise the tireless efforts and bravery of the emergency services.

“Rydon Maintenance Limited completed a partial refurbishment of the building in the summer of 2016 for KCTMO (Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation) on behalf of the council, which met all required building regulations – as well as fire regulation and health and safety standards.”