High rise block update

Statement: December 2017

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “Six months on since the Grenfell Tower fire and our thoughts remain with the victims of this terrible tragedy and the friends and family of those affected.

“The safety of residents living in our tower blocks in Salford remains our priority and we have supported the Government testing programme to test the cladding and insulation systems on our high rise buildings.

“We have seven blocks with cladding systems that do not meet the Government test criteria. These include Mulberry, Magnolia and Sycamore Courts, Riverbank and Newbank Towers and Arthur Millwood and Canon Hussey Courts.

“All our affected blocks are only partially cladded in aluminium composite material (ACM).

“As with many housing providers across the country we are currently taking professional advice from the government and industry experts to develop a permanent solution for our affected blocks that will deliver new cladding systems that fully adhere with the latest advice.

“We anticipate this work to the affected cladding systems will begin early in the new year once we are fully satisfied that replacement solution meets all safety requirements.

“We appreciate residents’ patience and understanding during this time.

“In the meantime we are continuing to deliver a programme of safety enhancement work across all our tower blocks, which includes the installation of new state-of-the-art fire alarms in all flats. This work is being carried out as a matter of urgency and already complete in a number of blocks.

“The additional safety measures we immediately implemented when concerns came to light, including round-the-clock security and additional patrols, is continuing as a precautionary measure during this time.

“Salix Homes has an excellent track record in fire safety, however we are determined to raise the bar of fire safety in all our high rise buildings and we are working very closely with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to establish a new standard of fire safety in all our blocks.

“We continue to keep residents fully updated as our safety enhancement programme progresses and we are also inviting people to join our new High Rise Living Forum to make sure all our high rise residents have a voice. Any residents interested in representing their block and being part of the forum can email hayley.gallagher@salixhomes.co.uk.

“We would of course also urge any residents with questions or concerns to contact us on 0800 218 2000 or email enquiries@salixhomes.co.uk.”