Croydon Council to install sprinklers in its tower blocks

Croydon Council has announced it will install sprinkler systems in 25 of its housing tower blocks in response to the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Deputy leader Councillor Alison Butler announced at a council meeting last night that the council would install fire sprinklers in all council blocks with 10, 11 or 12 storeys, although she did not say when the work would commence.

Building has asked the council to confirm when the installation is expected to begin.

News of the installation programme came after the council began a review over the weekend of its housing blocks following the Grenfell Tower fire. It covered all 16 council blocks higher than six storeys high that have cladding, plus another 23 without cladding.

The council said that independent checks had already confirmed the materials used in four of the clad blocks were “good-quality and fire retardant”, and the review was expected to be concluded by the weekend. The council said it had also written to all affected residents, who would receive regular updates throughout the review.

Butler said: “This council is committed to installing fire sprinklers in 25 council blocks with 10 storeys or taller because last week’s tragedy showed we all need to bolster fire safety measures for our residents.

“I will also be writing to the government challenging them to give us more support in our plans to make our borough safer.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work with London Fire Brigade to ensure our housing continues to meet fire safety standards, and we will respond to any recommendations that emerge from the Grenfell Tower investigation.”