Flat fire checks after Grenfell blaze horror
Council to‘comprehensively review’ set-up
Perth residents living in multi-storey blocks of flats are being reassured by council bosses over their safety.
The devastating Grenfell tower block fire in London has led to safety checks at properties throughout the UK, with Perth and Kinross Council saying it will “comprehensively review” its arrangements and consider appropriate actions.
But it has also said residents can play a key part in keeping themselves and others safe from the risk of fire.
In Perth sites at Potterhill, Pomarium and Lickley Court are among the highest blocks of flats.
A council spokesperson said: “The safety of tenants and residents is of utmost importance to Perth and Kinross Council.
“We work alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on an ongoing basis to regularly review our fire safety and prevention arrangements to ensure that we protect the safety of tenants and residents.
“We have introduced a range of fire safety and prevention measures in our high-rise blocks as part of our capital improvement programme, including door entry systems, hard-wired smoke detectors in our properties, fire retardant paint in closes and fire doors in individual council flats.”
The council has also sought to distance itself from any concerns surrounding the insulation materials in the wake of the devastating blaze down south.
The spokesperson continued: “The council can also reassure tenants and residents that the insulation material used to clad buildings in Perth and Kinross is very different to the material used at Grenfell Tower in London.
“The materials we have used are non-combustible, and are fixed directly to the existing wall surface and then covered with a layer of rendering – there is no air gap behind the material that would help spread any fire.”
Tenants in each of the council’s six high-rise blocks are being visited in an effort to reassure and raise concerns. A series of drop-in sessions are also being lined up.
The council also says that common closes in blocks of flats should not be blocked by bins, bikes or buggies.
Residents are also urged to be aware of fire procedures in their homes.
The council’s housing and communities convener, Councillor Peter Barrett, said: “The tragic events are truly shocking and horrific, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and the missing.
“The council will continue to work with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our tenants to ensure that our blocks are as safe
Multistorey flats at Lickley Street in Perth
as they can be. An initial review carried out following the London fire has given us reassurance that we have good fire safety procedures in place but we can never be complacent and will continue to look at what else we can do.
“If anyone has any fire safety concerns you can report them to your local Housing Team by calling 01738 476000 and choosing option 2. Our staff are there to help.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service offers free home safety visits to make sure that fire risk is minimised and to give out useful fire safety advice. If you would like a visit please call 0800 731 999 or text ‘Fire’ to 80800.