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Security patrols checking Chalcots Estate residents do not over-open windows

Camden Council has installed security patrols on the Chalcots Estate to ensure that residents do not open their windows too wide during the hot weather.

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Workers at the Chalcots Estate in north London
Workers at the Chalcots Estate in north London
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Security patrols checking Chalcots Estate residents do not over-open windows #ukhousing

The Swiss Cottage estate’s five tower blocks were temporarily evacuated in June 2017 after major fire safety flaws were discovered.

They were clad in aluminium composite material panels with a flammable polyethylene core, similar to the system blamed for the rapid spread of flames at the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people.

The buildings have now been stripped, with work to replace the cladding underway.

However, engineers also identified further issues with the blocks’ windows and curtain walls – leading to the council deciding in March to replace both, as well as the cladding and insulation.


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A report presented to the authority’s cabinet said that window hinges on the buildings have failed seven times in the past five years and that in some cases this has resulted in total failure of the opening sash, with “windows falling from height”.

Last week, Camden Council sent letters to Chalcots Estate residents, seen by Inside Housing, informing them that security officers wearing body cameras “to monitor the current windows and make sure none are opened past their restrictors” would be stationed on the estate 24/7.

After some residents responded with anger, a follow-up letter signed by Keith Scott, director of resident safety at Camden Council, has been sent out today.

It said: “We know that you will need to ventilate your home more than usual during this extremely hot weather.

“Your windows have two settings within the restrictors – 10cm and 30cm. If necessary please safely open your windows up to the 30cm restrictor to cool your flat down.

“Please do not open your windows further than 30cm as this is when windows can be at risk of failing and become dangerous for other people on your estate, as well as being a hazard if struck by the mast climbers.

“Our security officers will be patrolling the estate as normal and they will visit properties where the windows are opened beyond 30cm to ask that they are opened within the restrictors for the safety of all residents.”

A spokesperson for the council said the windows could not be opened beyond their restrictors for safety reasons while mast climbers move up and down the buildings installing new cladding.

Camden Council’s total spend on fire safety related issues since the Grenfell Tower fire is thought to be in excess of £100m.

Fire wardens have now been removed from the Chalcots Estate, after London Fire Brigade agreed they were no longer required.

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