News
Tenants fear being burned alive
Friday, 28 November 2008
Fire damage inside the lobby area (Rob Logan)
TERRIFIED residents in a high-rise blighted by arson attacks fear a tragic tower block inferno is imminent.
In the latest attack, two men had to be rescued from their seventh-floor homes after being trapped by a ferocious blaze in Elkington Point on Kennington’s Elthelred Estate.
Sleepless tenants have made a grave warning to cash-strapped Lambeth council, which owns the building, that a major disaster could lead to massive loss of life unless action is taken to avert it.
Those residents believe the November 17 fire should act as a warning to council leaders and the heads of Lambeth Living Limited – the firm that manages social housing in the borough.
Leaseholder Steve Rice has campaigned against the concierge cuts on the estate and the lack of fire protection.
He told the South London Press his concerns had been ignored.
He said: “How much more serious does it have to be before they listen and do something?
"This is a disaster waiting to happen.
"The fires are getting worse and the latest one should act as a grave warning."
A Lambeth Living spokeswoman said: “We are confident that our fire system – which is regularly checked – complies with health and safety regulations.
“At Elkington Point, once activated by smoke, ventilation louvres are opened to whisk the smoke and fire away and the fire brigade can use the system to open all the smoke vents in the block.”
For much more on this story see the South London Press, out today (Friday).
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