Demand for clarity after cladding on tower blocks fails fire tests
CLADDING from four council blocks of flats in Swansea has failed new fire safety tests ordered by the Welsh Government.
Swansea council leader Rob Stewart said it was “unacceptable” that panels which met British building regulations had failed the tests.
And he called for urgent clarification from the Welsh Government on what action was needed, and it has emerged that the cladding may still be allowed to remain on the four blocks: three at Clyne Court, Sketty , and one at Jeffreys Court in Penlan.
The cladding comprises a mineral core interior surrounded by aluminium, but not the less fire resistant polyethylene or polyurethane core that has been causing alarm in the wake of Grenfell Tower tragedy in London.
There have been wholesale cladding test failures from council blocks and social housing in England in the wake of the lethal fire.
Swansea council said the cladding it sent off for testing by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) is of limited combustibility, rather than zero combustibility.
Councillor Andrea Lewis, cabinet member for housing, energy and building services, said: “Given that every local authority in England which had materials
tested failed those tests we’re not surprised by this outcome.
“Our tenants are being reassured that the extra safety measures we’ve taken over the last few days will stay in place while we work with the Welsh Government to agree the next steps.
“However, we’re still seeking information from the Welsh Government and BRE about the nature of the tests as we still don’t know what form they took. What we do know is that the materials we sent for testing meet current building regulations.
“In addition to cladding materials our systems have non-combustible insulation and metal fire breaks which are over and above building regulations requirements.”
She added: “Our main concerns remain with our residents and we’ve already contacted them to update them on the latest developments.”
As reported last Friday, the council is to install sprinkler systems in its 11 high-rise blocks, double the frequency of safety tests and deploy security staff in the blocks at night-time for the time being .
Coun Stewart said: “We do know that aluminium cladding fitted to our buildings meets existing regulations. What the Welsh Government or BRE haven’t yet done is explained why materials which meet British building regulations failed the tests. That is unacceptable.
“I’ve asked the Welsh Government to urgently clarify these points so that everyone, particularly tenants, have the information they need and are aware of the facts and we can take any further action that’s needed.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “We were not involved in the design of the tests, but are in regular contact with UK Government following the announcement on Friday that the expert panel (of people) would consider whether these panels can be used safely as part of a wider building external wall system, and could therefore remain on a building under certain approved circumstances.
“We will continue to work closely with Swansea on the follow up to these test results to agree a measured and proportionate way forward that has resident safety at its heart.
“The Cabinet Secretary for Communities will issue a statement to update Assembly Members on this matter tomorrow.”
Sketty councillor David Helliwell said residents in Clyne Court will be waiting to see what happens next.
“I’m sure they will hear in the next day or so,” he said.