Fire fears as students told to quit f lats

HUNDREDS of students have been told to leave university accommodation over ‘Grenfell-fire safety fears.

The blocks, which were refurbished in 2014, are near King’s College Hospital – where many of those affected are studying to become nurses and doctors.

The decision to evacuate was made on December 19, but the 584 affected King’s College London students were only told on Monday.

In a mass email, interim senior vicepresident Chris Mottershead said: ‘Relocating you is the right decision to meet our duty of care to you.’

Yesterday the university refused to spell out the nature of the fire threat at Champion Hill, south London, but said there was no imminent safety risk. Photos appear to show that some of the blocks have cladding, which played an instrumental role in the Grenfell tragedy in 2017.

The most expensive student rooms at Champion Hill cost £10,320 a year to rent. KCL said that any students who fail to secure alternative rooms would be put up in ‘hotels, minimum 4-star, within Zone 2’. Compensation is on offer.

Nevertheless, the email prompted concern from students, worried about the potential fire risks – and the impact of disruption of their studies. Anne Kay, 23, a psychology graduate student, said: ‘They didn’t officially mention cladding but we basically got an email yesterday explaining they fear that there are fire hazards. I feel anxious.’

Masters student Sarah Ericson, 23, said: ‘It’s ridiculous we have to be rehoused or find somewhere else to live within the next two weeks. Some people have exams.’

Another student said: ‘People are saying that the fire danger is similar to Grenfell.’

Flammable cladding was a major contributor to the Grenfell Tower blaze which killed 72.

Last November a fire engulfed a student accommodation building in Bolton. Thankfully all those inside escaped safely.

KCL declined to describe the nature of the fire hazard yesterday. A spokesman said: ‘We are very sorry that we are having to relocate our students. We have identified some potential fire safety concern that need further investigation.’

‘There has been no incident and we have robust existing fire safety provision in place. If students have concerns about their studies, they can speak with their personal tutor.’