I AM writing in response to the front page story you published on fire safety, 'High-rise fire risks still not dealt with' (Paddington, Marylebone and Pimlico Mercury, November 5).
Given the nature of your article, I feel compelled to write with an update on our fire safety work, in order to help address any fears or worries that our residents may have after reading your headline.
We have carried out additional fire risk assessments on all of our tower blocks in response to the Lakanal fire and, as you mentioned within your report, the vast majority of these comply fully with fire risk assessments.
As part of our action plan, we have recently employed a surveyor to re-investigate the possibility of installing dry risers in several blocks on the Churchill Gardens estate. The buildings on this estate were built in the 1950s, so we have to take into consideration practical and planning issues before we can determine whether the installation is possible.
The installation of emergency lighting in the communal areas of blocks on the Warwick and Brindley estates in Little Venice is planned to start in March 2010.
This is in line with the original fire risk assessment, which recommended that installation of this lighting be incorporated as part of any upgrade works. Emergency lighting at Parsons House will also be incorporated in the programme of major works for 2011-12.
As always, the health and safety of our residents is our paramount concern. We are doing everything we can to reduce the risk of fires within our blocks and provide information for our residents on fire safety and minimising the risk.
MARK HOYLAND
Chief Executive, CityWest Homes
