External cladding at Principality Stadium could now be checked

CHECKS should be made at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to ensure any external cladding is safe in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The Sports Grounds Safety Authority has issued guidance to sports grounds with specific reference to external cladding.

The body monitors safety conditions at Premier League and Football League grounds, as well as Wembley in London and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

While investigations into the fire are continuing, concerns were raised at the speed with which the fire spread up external cladding on the London tower.

While investigations into the fire are continuing, concerns were raised at the speed with which the fire spread up external cladding on the London tower.

The sports authority has said it is important sports grounds owners and managers can make “informed judgements about the fire safety of their buildings”.

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A statement from them reads: “Sports grounds generally contain no sleeping risk, benefit from high levels of vigilance when in use and are often fitted with active and passive fire detection systems to help mitigate any fire risk. This does not suggest that there is no risk but these measures significantly mitigate the risk.

“If aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding is identified, check it is the correct type and used in the appropriate location.”

Swansea City say they have already had cladding at the stadium checked.

A spokesman said: “We had the cladding tested, the day after the tragedy. It was not the same type as at Grenfell Tower and the club is satisfied that there’s no risk”.