Council’s pledge after 14 buildings are checked

All cladding on high-rise flats in Renfrewshire meets building regulations, a probe has found.

Renfrewshire Council yesterday confirmed no breaches of standards during a review of all 14 blocks following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

An investigation revealed nine sites have been re-clad in the last five years, but all have been fitted with materials to inhibit the spread of fire.

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of the council’s communities, housing and planning policy board, says all residents have been contacted to offer reassurance.

She said: “Since the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, in London, we have been carrying out inspections of all 14 Renfrewshire Council-owned high-rise housing blocks.

“I can confirm that all blocks in Renfrewshire comply with Scottish Building standards and fire safety requirements.

“No cladding on any of our high-rise blocks is made of the same material used on Grenfell Tower.

“Checks of the building warrant records of the five remaining blocks at George Court, Gleniffer Court, Maxwellton Court, Nethercraigs Court and Provost Close, show that these blocks also comply with Scottish Building standards and have robust fire safety measures in place.

“From today, specialist contractors are carrying out additional on-site surveys, removing cladding panels to test these against our records.”

Council officers have been working with Scottish Fire and Rescue to review safety plans for those living in the buildings.

Concierge staff and caretakers carry out daily checks in each of the blocks, with quarterly safety inspections carried out.

Councillor McGurk added: “All of our high-rise housing blocks have a range of fire safety measures in place including dry risers and fire hydrants, smoke vents fitted in stairwells and all individual flats are fitted with a smoke detector and one-hour fire retardant doors.

“These measures are serviced and tested regularly.

“We are currently planning dropin fire safety events to take place in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“Once the London fire investigation is completed, we will work closely with the fire service on any further action that is required.”

Police have confirmed around 80 people are dead or presumed missing after the deadly tower block fire in North Kensington, London.

It is believed flammable cladding on the block hastened the spread of flames up its 23 storeys on June 14.

Renfrewshire Council has urged residents with concerns about their housing to call 0300 300 0222.