Kirklees Council and Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH), have ordered extra fire safety measures for three local blocks of flats after safety concerns were raised.
KNH, who manage the Council’s housing stock, has announced that Harold Wilson Court in Huddersfield will have immediate 24-hour a day patrols to ensure fire safety for the eleven-storey block.
Holme Park Court and Bishops Court, both in the Berry Brow area of Huddersfield, have also had immediate additional safety precautions put in place.
Concerns Revealed
The swift action has been ordered by the council and KNH after planned safety inspections revealed concerns about materials used for insulation on the outside of the buildings.
KNH and the council agreed to immediate steps to ensure the safety of residents in each of the blocks.
These additional safety measures will be in place until a permanent solution is in place.
All residents have been advised today (21 December) about the new measures and how they can help keep their community safe.
‘Immediate Action’
In a statement, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Democracy said: “Nothing is more important than the safety of residents. That’s why we are taking this immediate action.
“Over recent years, KNH has been carrying out an intensive programme of fire safety work and assessments.
“Recent specialist advice tells us we may need to make changes to some of the materials used on these buildings.
“Before we can carry out major works, we are taking extra precautions to make sure every resident is safe.”
Tower Block Safety
The safety of tower block flats such as these has been a key issue for many councils, after the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017.
Chair of the KNH Board, Cllr Naheed Mather, said: “KNH Board members have been briefed about these measures and we will be talking to residents today about the action we’re taking to keep them safe.
“We will also work closely with tenants while we put a permanent solution in place.
“The safety of residents is our number one priority, always.”