‘Not enough done’ since tragic blaze
NOT enough has been done to reduce the risk of fires in high-rise blocks of flats, highlighted in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy. After the fire, experts gave evidence on fire risks and safety in high-rise blocks in Wales to a National Assembly committee.
One property discussed during the meetings was one – the location of which has not been disclosed – where a managing agent raised concerns about the quality of workmanship in the building.
All that was disclosed about the block of flats is that it is in the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service area and it has seven storeys.
Ahead of the evidence session, the Post asked owner Mainstay to disclose where the property was, whether residents were aware of the dangers and how they had been informed, the company refused to answer.
The property was referred to as “property four” during evidence and the report released today says it is still being referred to by that term “due to ongoing discussions with the developer about remedial work”.
The fire service had examined the block of flats and found concerns.
The committee was told that Mainstay, an independent and privatelyowned company, “took responsibility” for the deficiencies and instructed a further survey.
That report found the building was a “sub-standard build” and there was a “large risk to life”. The cost to put it right was £3.7 million. In June, the company received a second enforcement notice.
“Mainstay have contacted the developer and presented the report and asked that they take accountability for these defects in the same way they took accountability for the first deficiencies.
“At present the developer has not accepted responsibility and a Section 20 consultation is taking place with the residents to make them aware of the issues and potential costs they may incur,” the committee was told.
Health and safety manager Rachel Dobson and chairman David Clark both spoke to AMS during the evidence sessions.
The Assembly’s equality, local government and communities committee have today published their report, including details from their evidence sessions, with 14 recommendations. The committee were also told that: ■ Doors which claimed to be fire resistant for 30 minutes didn’t last for half that time during testing; ■ Some materials available in the UK would not be allowed in other countries, according to property developer Viridis; ■ Differences were found between what was approved to be used and what was eventually put into a building; ■ There was no minimum standard for assessments; ■ There was a “mixed picture” when it came to residents being updated.
But committee chairman John Griffiths AM said the Welsh Government had not done enough since the Grenfell tragedy in June 2017.
The committee’s report reads: “While accepting that a phased response is an appropriate response to such a complex and important issue, we believe that over a year after the terrible tragedy at Grenfell, we need to see more urgency in the Welsh Government’s actions to ensure that issues beyond residents’ control are not affecting their life choices or well-being”.
Mr Griffiths said: “It has been more than a year since the terrible tragedy of Grenfell and the repercussions are still being felt across the country. People need to feel safe in their homes and that the building and the fittings, particularly in high- rise blocks, are of the highest standard,” said Mr Griffiths.
“This committee wants to see further urgent action from the Welsh Government and believe legislation should be brought forward as soon as possible which would tighten up standards around important safety measures such as fire doors and minimum requirements for those undertaking fire risk assessments.”
The Welsh Government was contacted for comment. fire risk