Work have now started to remove the aluminium composite cladding on nine high rise blocks in Pendleton.
This follows the announcement on Friday 23 June by the City Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, that the authority had made the decision that the cladding would be removed in advance of government test results.
Mayor Dennett said “I assured local residents on Friday that their safety came first and that work would begin as quickly as possible. I am pleased to confirm that contractors have started the works.
“This is the right thing to do. I said once we had made the decision we would get on with removing the cladding. We haven’t waited around and we’re getting on with it straight away”.
The work began on Thorn Court on Sunday 25 June and the other blocks will follow. The panels will be removed from the first floor upwards. Initially the cladding panels will be removed from each block and later replaced.
Pendleton Together, who manage the housing on behalf of the council, are keeping all residents up to date with the progress of the work. Works will be carried out with minimal disruption and there will be no requirement for tenants to move out.
Mayor Dennett said “Additional fire safety measures put in place by Pendleton Together will remain until the cladding is removed. This includes the new fire evacuation procedures, extra support from local housing staff and 24/7 patrols on each block.
“We will also continue to work with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to ensure our housing continues to meet fire safety standards, and we will respond to any recommendations that emerge from the Grenfell Tower investigation.
“I have a role across the city and Greater Manchester and I will work with other housing providers to make sure that they also take actions needed”.
Steve Close, Chief Executive of Together Housing (parent company of Pendleton Together), said “since the council made the decision on Friday to remove the cladding we’ve been working very hard to reassure Pendleton residents of their safety. We’ve been holding meetings with our residents over the weekend to explain what’s going on and that the work to remove the cladding on Thorn Court has started today.”
