Tower blocks cladding to be tested at Glasgow Harbour

Cladding used on a set of tower blocks in Glasgow will be inspected as the local authority continues its progress to identify and test buildings believed to contain aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding.

Last week it was revealed residents in two of the blocks at the Glasgow Harbour development have received letters telling them cladding used in lift areas and the roof could be similar to that used in Grenfell Tower in London, the scene of a tragic fire on June 14.

Working with the support of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Glasgow City Council contractors removed samples of cladding for inspection and testing.

A city council spokesman said: “Over the last week, we have been writing to and meeting with owners, residents and factors of high-rise properties where, from information we hold, we believe ACM has been used.

“We have advised them to seek specialist fire safety advice and to carry out any investigations into the type and construction of cladding systems.”

The council has also provided an update to ministers on the work it is carrying out to ensure residents of buildings where ACM cladding has been identified are kept fully informed about ongoing work and where they can access further advice.

The ministerial working group, set up to review building and fire safety in the wake of Grenfell, met for the sixth time last week.

During the meeting communities secretary Angela Constance, housing minister Kevin Stewart and community safety minister Annabelle Ewing, received updates from Scottish Government officials and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Stewart updated the ministerial working group that he has written to remind local authorities of the breadth of their building safety enforcement powers and Scottish Government expectation that they would use those powers to ensure public safety.

Ms Constance said: “Everyone involved in this group shares a commitment to do all we can to reassure home owners and residents of buildings where ACM cladding is identified are kept fully informed about any tests being carried out and know where they can get further advice and guidance.

“We are working closely with local authorities, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and others to ensure the highest standards in our building and fire safety regulations and I thank everyone involved for their continued commitment to this.

“Today’s meeting also reflected that we are making good progress establishing a review of fire safety in building standards following the recent appointment of Professor John Cole and Dr Paul Stollard. The range of work being looked at will further strengthen standards.”

The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service shared plans for the forthcoming targeted national fire safety campaign for high rise buildings and confirmed that additional fire safety guidance is being developed for any buildings where there are concerns or issues.

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