£8.4m high rise safety programme in Nottingham

Nottingham City Council will continue with an £8.4 million programme of sprinkler installations and other safety measures in 13 high rise blocks.

Despite the government refusing to provide financial aid, Nottingham City Homes, which manages the council’s social housing, has recommended fitting sprinklers in all high rise communal areas and homes and replacing intercom systems.

Although a comprehensive review found that none of the council’s residential high rise blocks have the same cladding suspected of being a major factor in the Grenfell fire, the council is also likely to install a Public Address system linking to new intercoms and alter the operation of existing fire alarm systems and update and improve processes and procedures.

Jane Urquhart, the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing and Heritage, said: “All our high rise blocks have current fire risk assessments and are fully compliant with current regulations. However, following the Grenfell fire, we wanted to reassure tenants and ourselves that everything possible was being done to ensure buildings are safe.

“It’s hugely disappointing that the government has backtracked on its commitment to provide support to councils on safety measures. But this issue is so important, that we simply have to go ahead with the recommended improvements as a priority, despite the impact this will have on other planned housing schemes which will now have to be reduced or delayed. Along with other councils up and down the country, we will continue to press government ministers to be true to their word and come up with the financial support promised.”