Hounslow to remove cladding from tower block
The London Borough of Hounslow will seek to remove cladding from the outside of a high-rise tower block “as soon as possible” after it was the latest to fail government tests for safety.
A government spokesperson said the number of buildings with dangerous cladding has now risen to 14 in nine local authority areas, up from 11 this morning.
In a statement, Hounslow Council confirmed composite panels on Clements Court tower in Cranford had failed the test.
READ MORE
The building uses aluminium composite material with a polyethylene core – the same as the panels installed on Grenfell Tower.
However, insulation behind the cladding is Rockwool, which is non-combustible and not the same material used as insulation on Grenfell.
Hounslow said there had also been “no interference” with the interior of the building, unlike at Grenfell.
Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow Council, said: “We have, therefore, decided that we will take steps to remove the outer cladding from the building as soon as is practical. We are currently looking into how best and swiftly this can be done.”
Immediate action by the council will involve:
- Engaging with the London Fire Brigade to carry out home safety tests which will start today and complete over the weekend
- Carrying out another thorough fire risk assessment on Monday, jointly with London Fire Safety Unit, its building regulations department and consultants
- A dedicated “fire watch” patrol from tomorrow
- Ensuring that all access to the block is kept clear
Grenfell contained Celotex RS5000 insulation – which is made of polyisocyanurate foam. In a statement earlier today, police said this material burned quickly under testing.
However, according to the Celotex website it has a ‘class zero’ fire rating, is compliant with building regulations and can be used on towers of more than 18 metres.
