Salford Council has announced that it will be removing cladding from nine tower blocks in Pendleton in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster in London last week.
City Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett said “The disaster in Grenfell Tower fire has raised questions about the safety of tower blocks nationally
“Government tests are underway, but it is already clear that the aluminium composite cladding on our blocks must be removed and we are pressing ahead with our plans. We take the safety of our residents very seriously and are taking immediate steps.
“Replacing the cladding is a complex operation, and Pendleton Together will identify contractors to begin the job.
“Additional fire safety measures have also been put in place by Pendleton Together, who manage the homes on behalf of the council.”
“They are in contact with affected residents offering advice and support including 24/7 patrols on each block, as well strengthened safety arrangements until the cladding can be removed.”
Mayor Dennett said, “The decision to remove the cladding on the council’s nine tower blocks is the right and moral thing to do. There will be no waiting around in Salford whilst there are any questions about the safety of our residents.
“With Pendleton Together, we’ll do whatever it takes to provide community reassurance until works are completed, including regular drop-in sessions at each block and an information point at Brotherton House.
“We will also continue to work with GMFRS 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 do my upmost to make sure housing providers in GM and Salford take the necessary actions and we will fully participate in the public inquiry.”
Jim Hutton, Area Manager and GMFRS High Rise Taskforce Lead, said: “We are supporting the Salford City Mayor who is leading a Greater Manchester-wide high rise taskforce which is ensuring that all possible steps are being taken to ensure that people are safe – and also feel safe. All high-rise residential buildings that have more than six floors are being assessed to identify any risks and take appropriate action.
“Following the awful fire in London, it is understandable that residents of high-rise flats may feel concerned about their safety. If you do live in a flat and you are worried, please get in touch with us because we can give you advice and reassurance on how to be safe and well and please check our website for more information.”
Steve Close, Chief Executive of Together Housing (parent company of Pendleton Together), said “Along with Salford City Council we put the safety of our residents first. We support the decision that Salford City Council have made and are working very hard with them to reassure our residents at this time.”
“We are currently carrying out checks and testing all aspects of our fire prevention work and have fire marshal patrols of all blocks 24 hours a day. In addition, we are currently visiting all our residents individually, holding drop in sessions on each block and encouraging them to contact us via our dedicated email address at firesafety@pendletontogether.co.uk or via social media such as Twitter or Facebook. Alternatively residents can call us on 0300 555 5567 or visit our office on Loganberry Avenue”.
