Hiba Mahamadi 14 June 2017

Council accused of ignoring Grenfell Tower fire safety concerns

A fire has engulfed a west London tower block, resulting in a number of fatalities and seriously injuring around 50 people.

The fire broke out at the 24-storey Grenfell Tower at 1am this morning.

A local activist group has claimed Kensington & Chelsea RLBC previously dismissed concerns a serious fire would break out.

The Grenfell Action Group raised concerns about a potential fire at the building 10 times since 2013, which it said 'fell on deaf ears'.

It claimed a major fire disaster, found later to be caused by faulty wiring, was only narrowly averted at the tower in 2013.

The council has been asked for comment.

A statement on the council's website said that it had activated a major emergency plan this morning.

Local authority liaison officers are working directly with emergency services at the building and an emergency contact number is also available.

The council added: ‘The cause of the fire will be fully investigated and we will keep people informed.’

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker Fostering

Durham County Council
Grade 9 - £35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up surrounded by love, family, and a sense of belonging?   We’re on an exciting journey to expand our Conn Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
Do you want to support parents to achieve meaningful and sustainable change and help more children to remain safely within their birth families?   We Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
Are you an experienced social worker who is passionate about working with vulnerable teenagers?   This is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Deputy Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091
Deputy Manager – Children’s Homes Service Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403- £ 28,598 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant – 20 hours term time plus specified days. Monday - Friday 8.30am – 12.30pm Grade 5, £26,403 pro rata. Required 2nd June 20 Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner