Following our last update on 27 June, we are continuing our focus on fire safety for our residents. Below is a summary of the action we have taken to date:
Cladding update
We have removed sections of the ACM cladding from low level areas of some of our blocks. Cladding investigations are still on-going and further testing is now taking place at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) on the full cladding system (including the insulation). A further update on the testing can be found on the government website here.
At this stage there is no clear guidance on what cladding systems provide the best and safest solution. We have therefore taken the decision to halt the removal of cladding until we have clearer guidance and the results of the latest tests. This does not mean that we will stop our own review into the most suitable options, and we will continue to do this with our appointed contractor and other specialist teams who are advising us, as well as working with our housing colleagues across Greater Manchester and the Fire Service.
Where cladding has already been removed, we will be looking to install a temporary solution which will be a non-combustible product, to protect the buildings until such time as a permanent solution has been identified.
Next resident drop-in session’s week commencing 17 July
We will continue to keep you updated as things develop and will be scheduling further resident drop-in sessions at our high-rise blocks the week commencing 17 July.
We appreciate the continued support and patience of our high-rise residents at this time and we ask that you continue to raise any issues of concern with your caretakers.