2017-10-20 Fire safety at Council homes
Sprinklers could be put in 60 flats in a high-rise building in St Albans at a cost of around £570,000.
The proposal follows a fire safety review by St Albans City and District Council in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
The Council owns only one residential block of six storeys or more, Telford Court. It was built before it was a requirement to fit such buildings with sprinklers.
A firm with expertise in sprinklers has been working with the Council to assess the cost of installing them.
The system would cost an estimated £128,000, but would require other building work including the redecoration of the flats to bring the amount to £420,000.
In addition, residents would be moved out of their homes for a short period as drilling work could disturb asbestos. This operation would result in a cost of up to £150,000.
An update of the fire safety review was given to a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet on Thursday 19 October.
Cabinet noted that £570,000 will be set aside in the Council’s budgets to cover the potential costs of the sprinklers.
Following the Grenfell Tower blaze, the Government ordered an independent review of fire regulations with a report due in spring next year.
It is anticipated that it may recommend sprinklers be installed in the flats of all high-rise buildings of six storeys or more.
At the moment only high-rises constructed since 2007 are required to have sprinklers.
The electrics and smoke alarms in each flat at Telford Court have been checked and the emergency lighting upgraded.
A fire risk assessment concluded that the risk was low while the residents have not informed the Council of any concerns.
The Council also owns 256 smaller blocks of flats and has some sheltered housing and temporary accommodation schemes.
Fire risk assessments at these properties are being undertaken together with a number of measures to improve safety. These include staff training.
In addition, meetings on fire safety have been arranged with the District’s three main housing associations.
The owners of privately-rented flat blocks have been contacted and reminded of the need to ensure safeguarding measures are in place
Councillor Brian Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “We have been both quick and thorough in our response to the Grenfell Tower fire.
“Fire risk assessments across our properties show that we have been reducing the fire risk. However, we will not get complacent and will continue to work on these issues.
“It is right that we have budgeted for fitting sprinklers at Telford Court flats as this is a measure we may well have to undertake. I can assure residents, though, that the current safety risk is low and we will consult with them on all future plans.”
Councillor contact:
Councillor Brian Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Housing for St Albans City and District Council.
Email: Cllr.B.Ellis@stalbans.gov.uk
Tel: 01727-866100
Councillor contact:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council.
Email: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk
Tel: 01727 296130