Work to strip cladding from nine Salford blocks begins

Thorn Court

Work has started to remove the aluminium composite cladding on nine high rise blocks in Pendleton, Salford, as a direct result of the Grenfell Tower fire disaster which is believed to have claimed 79 lives.

This follows the announcement on Friday (June 23) by the city mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, that the authority had made the decision that the cladding would be removed in advance of government test results.

Dennett said: “I assured local residents on Friday that their safety came first and that work would begin as quickly as possible. I am pleased to confirm that contractors started the works today.”

The work began on Thorn Court on Sunday (June 25) and the other blocks will follow. The panels will be removed from the first floor upwards. Initially the cladding panels will be removed from each block and later replaced.

Dennett went on: “This is the right thing to do. I said once we had made the decision we would get on with removing the cladding. We haven’t waited around and we’re getting on with these works straight away.”

Pendleton Together, which manages the housing on behalf of the council, said it is keeping all residents up to date with the progress of the work. Works will be carried out with minimal disruption and there will be no requirement for tenants to move out.

Dennett said: “Additional fire safety measures put in place by Pendleton Together will remain until the cladding is removed. This includes the new fire evacuation procedures, extra support from local housing staff and 24/7 patrols on each block.”

“We will also continue to work with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to ensure our housing continues to meet fire safety standards, and we will respond to any recommendations that emerge from the Grenfell Tower investigation.

“I have a role across the city and Greater Manchester and I will work with other housing providers to make sure that they also actions needed.”

Steve Close, chief executive of Together Housing (parent company of Pendleton Together), said: “Since the council made the decision on Friday to remove the cladding we’ve been working very hard to reassure Pendleton residents of their safety. We’ve been holding meetings with our residents over the weekend to explain what’s going on and that the work to remove the cladding on Thorn Court has started today.”

“Residents are encouraged to contact us with any queries via our dedicated email address at firesafety@pendletontogether.co.uk or via social media such as Twitter or Facebook. Alternatively residents can call us on 0300 555 5567 or visit our office on Loganberry Avenue.”

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