On Friday, Salford was at the centre of national media attention as City Mayor, Paul Dennett, specifically called a press conference to announce that ACM polyurethane cladding on nine Pendleton Together tower blocks, including Spruce Court, Thorn Court and Whitebeam Court, would be removed...
"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" he said "We take the safety of our residents very seriously and are taking immediate steps.
"The decision to remove the cladding on the council's nine tower blocks is the right and moral thing to do" the Mayor added "There will be no waiting around in Salford whilst there are any questions about the safety of our residents."
Yesterday, residents in the blocks were told by staff from Pendleton Together that the cladding is staying on until replacement material is ready. Staff could give residents no timetable on this but the feeling is that it could take months...
"They are saying it's because they don't want to disturb people" a resident told the Salford Star "But I think that since the Mayor made his announcement someone has sat down with the back of a fag packet and gone through the finances of putting scaffolding up and bringing in a company to remove the stuff, then repeating the process to put the new stuff in.
"Yet this is people's safety we're talking about" he added "It's either safe or it isn't safe. If it isn't safe then, like the Mayor said, 'immediate steps' should be taken. It looks like money is dictating this."
Meanwhile, Pendleton Together issued new fire safety advice to tenants yesterday, telling them in the event of a fire to "leave the building immediately if they are able to do so". The previous policy was to 'stay put' as the flats were compartmentalised to contain fire.
UPDATE: 12noon...
Pendleton Together is now putting leaflets through people's doors stating that cladding is being removed on Thorn Court from today (see photo)
Update: 2pm - Salix Homes to Strip Cladding from its tower blocks - click here
See also previous related Salford Star articles...
Residents Kept in Dark Over Tower Block Danger click here
Cladding Removed From Nine Pendleton Together Tower Blocks click here
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
Pendleton Together States It Will Learn Lessons from Fire Safety Inquiry click here
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