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The national press covers the story of a huge flat fire in Barking, while housing figures receive commendations in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List
In the news
The housing news this morning is dominated by the reports of what appears to be a giant balcony fire in Barking, which has destroyed 20 flats and damaged a further 10.
You can read our report about the fire here and there was coverage of the blaze across almost all national news outlets over the weekend.
— Venilia Batista Amorim (@vbatistaamorim) — Venilia Batista Amorim (@vbatistaamorim) June 9, 2019
The Guardian reports on emails between residents and developer Bellway, which reassured them that the wooden balconies were fire-safe ahead of the blaze.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, residents were provided emergency housing and no major injuries were reported. Inside Housing has been speaking to the residents’ association this morning and we will provide a further report in due course.
The other big piece of news for the housing sector is more positive: the Queen’s Birthday Honours List has seen accolades for many well-known sector figures, including Steve Douglas, former chief executive of the Housing Corporation.
Thx to all for the many nice wishes and kind words. I’m chuffed. Today I’ll remember for 3 reasons. The award, my second lad’s 21st birthday, and standing in the pouring rain watching the the youngest in a ‘summer’ footie tournament t.co/mpywlfiXaB
— Steve Douglas CBE (@Steve_Altair)Thx to all for the many nice wishes and kind words. I’m chuffed. Today I’ll remember for 3 reasons. The award, my second lad’s 21st birthday, and standing in the pouring rain watching the the youngest in a ‘summer’ footie tournament https://t.co/mpywlfiXaB
— Steve Douglas CBE (@Steve_Altair) June 8, 2019
Our round-up is here.
Elsewhere, the BBC reports on Grenfell families launching a US lawsuit against three companies they blame for the fire: cladding maker Arconic, insulation maker Celotex and fridge supplier Whirlpool.
Sky News and others report on Shelter research showing the struggle of social housing tenants to get adequate repairs, with 2.5 million having an issue and one in 10 having to report it 10 times before it is dealt with. We will have a story on the report later this morning.
In housing market news Reuters notes that UK house prices are on the rise again, with Halifax reporting the largest rise since January 2017. It may be to do with Brexit uncertainty dropping off buyers’ minds due to the long delay, the report says.
And Mail Online runs a piece asking if empty shops could be turned into new homes, which is not a new idea.
On social media
Many Twitter users shared images of yesterday’s fire and opinions about what needs to be done to make buildings safe:
Fire on the Barking Riverside estate. Huge!!! Serious!!! Only a couple of weeks after the residents association specifically asked the builders @Bellway_Homes who said the wood cladding was fire retardant and perfectly safe @barkingriver @barkingriver @CllrDRodwell pic.twitter.com/nVeuy0xAXq
— Venilia Batista Amorim (@vbatistaamorim)Fire on the Barking Riverside estate. Huge!!! Serious!!! Only a couple of weeks after the residents association specifically asked the builders @Bellway_Homes who said the wood cladding was fire retardant and perfectly safe @barkingriver @barkingriver @CllrDRodwell pic.twitter.com/nVeuy0xAXq
— Venilia Batista Amorim (@vbatistaamorim) June 9, 2019
Thoughts and prayers with everyone affected by Barking fire. We hope everyone is safe. So difficult to see this!
— Grenfell United (@GrenfellUnited)
Residents affected will need to be looked after & Council must offer safe accommodation for people affected tonight.Thoughts and prayers with everyone affected by Barking fire. We hope everyone is safe. So difficult to see this!
— Grenfell United (@GrenfellUnited) June 9, 2019
Residents affected will need to be looked after & Council must offer safe accommodation for people affected tonight.
The speed in which this fire in #barking spread was crazy! Nothing learned from #Grenfell #barkingfire pic.twitter.com/5mdceE4pAS
— MARAJA (@MARAJA_7)The speed in which this fire in #barking spread was crazy! Nothing learned from #Grenfell #barkingfire pic.twitter.com/5mdceE4pAS
— MARAJA (@MARAJA_7) June 9, 2019
Huge fire at block of flats in Barking, east London, now under control after tackled by 100 firefighters. Will raises more questions about post-Grenfell fire safety t.co/Pu8X2h8CQ2 pic.twitter.com/CjzJT1Eujq
— Graeme Demianyk (@GraemeDemianyk)Huge fire at block of flats in Barking, east London, now under control after tackled by 100 firefighters. Will raises more questions about post-Grenfell fire safety https://t.co/Pu8X2h8CQ2 pic.twitter.com/CjzJT1Eujq
— Graeme Demianyk (@GraemeDemianyk) June 9, 2019
It is incredible that there were no casualties as a result of the fire in Barking Riverside yesterday. On the week of the 2nd anniversary of Grenfell, it is yet another stark reminder that not enough is being done to make sure buildings are safe. #ukhousing #EndOurCladdingScandal t.co/MsElwzil1O
— Jack Simpson (@JSimpsonjourno)It is incredible that there were no casualties as a result of the fire in Barking Riverside yesterday. On the week of the 2nd anniversary of Grenfell, it is yet another stark reminder that not enough is being done to make sure buildings are safe. #ukhousing #EndOurCladdingScandal https://t.co/MsElwzil1O
— Jack Simpson (@JSimpsonjourno) June 10, 2019
Another block up in flames . these blocks need looking at now .
— Roy (@roy187musiq)
uk needs to sort it out Barking Essex today pic.twitter.com/6ygjZWqcxrAnother block up in flames . these blocks need looking at now .
— Roy (@roy187musiq) June 9, 2019
uk needs to sort it out Barking Essex today pic.twitter.com/6ygjZWqcxr