Southwark set to release fire documents

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Southwark set to release fire documents

Thursday, 08 October 2009

Lakanal House

By Sam Masters

AN AUTHORITY has finally agreed to release fire risk assessment documents it has been holding back since the Camberwell Fire.

Southwark council has refused to release the documents showing if and when fire risk assessments were undertaken on its council estate towers since the blaze at Lakanal House on the Sceaux Gardens Estate.

The Lib Dem/Tory-run authority claimed releasing the information could prejudice the police investigation into why the fire spread through the 14-storey tower.

The tragedy claimed six lives and made more than 100 residents homeless on the night of July 3.

But yesterday the council said that, following discussions with senior police officers, it could now release the information.

Council chief executive Annie Shepperd said: “I am confident that Southwark council has only ever acted in the best interests of supporting the police investigation into the fire and has not withheld information for any other reason.”

Councillor Kim Humphreys, executive member for housing, admitted yesterday that only a quarter of blocks had been checked before the Lakanal House blaze – but that all blocks more than six storeys had now been assessed.

Meanwhile, Labour-run Lambeth council has moved to restore confidence in the fire safety at its council estate blocks.

Records released last week showed the authority had only conducted risk assessments at two of its 112 residential blocks.

Steve Rice, who lives in Brittany Point, Kennington – one of the unchecked buildings – said: “They rushed someone down here on Thursday.”

The council has now put an “action plan” in place to produce the risk assessments. David Thompson, Lambeth Living Director of Property Services, said: “Britanny Point has been subject to additional fire safety checks over and above those contained in this action plan, including a check by our technical officers and contractors last week.

“This check has confirmed that residents safety on Britanny Point is not comprised.”

Email: sam.masters@slp.co.uk