Previous to the Salford Star article yesterday which tried to throw light on the cladding materials used in the Pendleton Together tower blocks, the company would not return our calls or reply to our email*. Instead, it put a statement on its website...
"Together Housing has cladding on a number of its properties and, following speculation in the media, understand customers' concerns about whether it is fire resistant.
"In construction, Together Housing have taken every step possible to ensure the materials they use are fire resistant and the design safe. We do not yet know the details from the Grenfell Tower Fire, so we won't speculate on the cause or be able to compare its design to ours. However, we are reviewing this on a daily basis as details become available and will be keeping tenants informed through our digital channels."
This afternoon, the company replied directly, referring us to an updated statement, announcing an "independent review of the refurbishment work and our ongoing safety practices...
"We understand the concerns from our residents as more information from the horrendous Grenfell fire in London becomes available. The Prime Minister has also announced a full public enquiry into to understand the causes of the fire. This will mean we can learn any lessons in terms of fire safety and prevention in due course.
"Pendleton Together puts the safety of our residents first. We have therefore moved quickly to hold independent review of the refurbishment work and our ongoing safety practices. This will be undertaken by safety experts which have no part in the refurbishment to date. Contractors from the company Trident are in Pendleton today and will be onsite over the coming weeks.
"This review will involve surveyors looking into the fabric of the blocks to double check there are no issues that we need to address. You may see surveyors on your blocks any time from today so please allow them time to undertake their work. If you have any queries you may call us on 0300 555 5567, contact us via social media such as Twitter or Facebook or visit our office on Loganberry Avenue.
"We would take the opportunity to remind our customers that the materials used during the Pendleton refurbishments are all in line with British Board Agreement accreditations. Everything has been installed in accordance with best practice and manufacturer's guidelines. All works were certified on completion and fire risk assessments have been undertaken on all blocks."
The questions that hopefully will be answered during the Prime Minister's public inquiry are what sort of cladding is safe and whether 'British Board Agreement accreditations' are adequate.
To read the Pendleton Together statement click here
*See also related Salford Star articles...
Cladding used in Pendleton Tower Blocks 'Contributes To Fire Growth' state experts click here
Recent Pendleton High Rise Fire Highlights Inadequacies click here
Salford Tower Block Fire Risks Ignored By Salix Homes For Five Years click here
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