London tragedy prompts fire checks in Brighton and Hove towers

At the time of writing (June 16), 30 people had died and dozens were injured in the fire at Grenfell Tower.

Brighton and Hove City Council sent a letter to residents living in tower blocks in the city, saying inspections would be carried out in all high rise buildings - with cladded buildings prioritised.

This comes after councillors at Brighton and Hove’s housing and new homes committee held a one minute’s silence at Wednesday’s meeting (June 14) to remember the victims of the disaster.

Cllr Anne Meadows, chair of the committee, said: “As is the case with any major incident, we will review processes and systems but until the results of investigations into Grenfell Tower fire are available we cannot speculate on the potential cause or causes.”

She added that the council inspects its high-rise properties annually.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) said: “The thoughts and sympathies of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are with all those affected by the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in London. A fire of this scale has not been seen for many years in the UK.

“Local communities should be assured that we work with local authorities, housing associations, landlords and others to help ensure that the fire safety arrangements in high rise accommodation are safe and appropriate.

“In recent years we have invested in co-funding sprinkler schemes in East Sussex and Brighton as part of our commitment to fire safety.”

Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have produced a fire safety guide for residents living in tower blocks in the city, here.