Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London, Warwick District Council has taken measures to reassure residents about fire safety. Letters have been sent to all tenants in the high rise blocks owned by the Council, highlighting and reinforcing the fire safety arrangements the Council has in place.

Warwick District Council has seven high rise blocks providing residential accommodation as Council tenancies. The blocks in question are Eden Court, Southorn Court, Ashton Court, Christine Ledger Square, Radcliffe Gardens, Stamford Gardens and Westbrook House.

The routine procedures are as follows:

• Weekly fire alarm testing and health and safety checks
• Daily checks on our landings for obstructions and fire hazards
• Emergency repairs in communal areas to fire doors, glass panels, closers, blocked chutes etc.
• Working closely with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue to ensure that our risk assessments are up to date and relevant
• All flats have smoke detectors fitted
• Monthly tests of our emergency lighting
• Fire evacuation notices are displayed in all communal areas

As well as the actions that are regularly taken, the Council has reinforced its advice to tenants to ensure that communal areas are free of fire risks and obstructions. We are also encouraging residents to report any repairs or issues in their block.

Although Warwick District Council believes that that all their blocks meet high standards of fire safety, additional safety checks are being made in the light of concerns raised by this week’s tragic events. The Council will continue to monitor developments as a result of the fire in London and will review arrangements in line with the advice given.

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Property Services, Councillor Peter Phillips said:

“Following the tragic fire at Grenfell House I would like to express my deepest sympathy to all families affected by this terrible event. I would also like to reassure our residents that following the fire we have inspected all our high rise blocks and that we have advised tenants of the checks that we have in place. I also want to reiterate that the safety of our residents is a top priority.”

A full statement on the current situation with all Warwick District Council high rise properties has been submitted to Full Council by Councillor Peter Phillips, outlining the arrangements the Council has in place.