Following the tragedy the Grenfell Tower in Kensington yesterday, Wandsworth Council has moved to ensure residents that high rise buildings in the borough are safe.

The council’s executive member for housing Councillor Clare Salier said the “tragic incident” has shocked the capital and expressed her “deepest sympathies”, while also reassuring Wandsworth residents of the “rigorous checks” ensuring fire safety in the borough. 

She said: “I understand that people living in Wandsworth Council’s tower blocks will be deeply troubled by this fire and I have asked our housing and regeneration department to write to those residents to provide them with as much information and reassurance as possible at this early stage in the fire investigation.”

Cllr Salier confirmed all of the high-rise and low-rise blocks in Wandsworth have up-to-date fire risk assessments which are subject to annual review, while regular safety inspection take place ensuring buildings are safe.

The council is awaiting the outcome of the fire investigation and will respond “to any recommendations” given.

Fire safety advice

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in your home – council tenants will be provided with an alarm at no cost.

• Check your smoke alarm is working every month

• Keep balconies free from clutter

• Don’t leave rubbish or bikes in communal areas or obstruct escape routes

• Make sure you know where your nearest fire exit is

• Do not smoke in common areas of the block

• Always fully extinguish cigarettes smoked in your home and dispose of them carefully and safely