Thanet council has issued a statement to reassure residents that all the isle’s tower blocks have up-to-date fire risk assessments but a review of the cladding on the buildings will be carried out.
The statement has been made after concerns raised following the tragic blaze at Grenfell Tower in London that caused the death of 30 people, confirmed, but the figure could rise with some 70 people still missing.
The blaze in the early hours of June 14 has resulted in questions about issues including the lack of fire sprinklers, the quality of cladding used in the building’s renovation and the safety of the wiring.
In a statement TDC said: “We would like to reassure all our residents that Thanet District Council continues to work very closely with the Fire and Rescue Service.
“All of our social housing accommodation, including our tower blocks, is managed by East Kent Housing. Each property has an up-to-date fire risk assessment in place and any works agreed with the fire service are completed.
“A number of blocks in Thanet have been over clad and we are reviewing the work that has been undertaken. We can confirm that this work did not use the same rain-screen type of system that was used at Grenfell Tower. A full review of cladding materials, where these are in place, will be carried out by East Kent Housing.
“We are obviously very keen to reassure residents at what must be a worrying time for them. The team at East Kent Housing will be visiting residents within these properties to reassure them that the systems used were different and to restate safety advice.
“ The safety advice given will reflect national guidance and has been agreed on a block by block basis with the fire service.”
Thanet tower blocks include Arlington House and Invicta House in Margate and Trove Court, Kennedy House and Staner Court in Ramsgate.
There have been calls from residents to also check fire doors and sprinkler systems.
Safety checks
Councillor Suzanne Brimm, a qualified electrician, is urging people to carry out regular checks on their electrical equipment.
She said: “These checks have the potential to save your life. White goods appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, cookers – any white goods appliances – have a capacity to hold charge even when they are not plugged in.
“Simply registering an appliance means you can be made aware of recalls and safety repairs.”
Register appliances here