Statement on Redbridge Estates

Published: 24 Jun 2017

After the terrible tragedy at Grenfell Tower on Wednesday 14 June, our thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected.

After the incident, we immediately reviewed the fire safety arrangements for all of our 18 tall blocks of accommodation and Council has established that none have the same cladding which was used on the Grenfell Tower.  Six of our tall blocks on the Orchard Estate do have a partial cladding system which was installed in the 1990s. Tests and surveys have been carried out on this cladding and it does not contain Aluminium Composite Material.

There are two types of cladding on Orchard Estate, one has been determined to be fine; the other is solid aluminium panelling but we have taken the decision to upgrade this as a matter of urgency. The safety of our residents and our housing blocks is of critical importance to us as a Council and our staff regularly carry out Fire Risk Assessments on all of our housing.

We are currently investigating options and ability to install a sprinkler system and smoke alarms in communal areas across all blocks above five storeys high. We will also be following any additional safety guidance from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the London Fire Brigade (LFB). Our Housing department has met with the LFB Commander to outline the action we have taken and we will continue to work together closely to ensure the safety of our residents.