Government inspectors have visited a Croydon tower block, covered in flammable cladding, after Your Local Guardian reported that its fire safety lift had been broken for about a year.
Canterbury House, Sydenham Road, is currently subject to a “waking watch”, whereby it is constantly patrolled in case a fire breaks out.
Tenants told Your Local Guardian this week that the fire safety lift – used by firefighters in an emergency – was STILL not working.
We reported in late May that firefighters had discovered it wasn’t working when they were twice called to emergencies in the building.
Croydon Council and the government’s Joint Inspection Team (JIT) visited the block, a short walk from East Croydon train station, on June 26 and 27.
“The inspection is in relation to fire safety and in relation to the identification of combustible materials in the external wall system,” said a letter handed to tenants.
“Croydon Council would like to see remediation works undertaken as soon as possible in relation to combustible external wall materials.”
A Croydon Council spokesperson told this newspaper: “We regularly carry out inspections to make sure private sector buildings in Croydon meet government guidance on fire safety, and work with fire experts and London Fire Brigade who advice on any improvements required.”
In May, we reported how the fire safety lift was busted and the other lift also kept breaking down.
Read more:
Firefighters were called out twice in nine days to rescue tenants trapped in the lift.
It then broke down for almost two weeks, leaving disabled residents either stuck indoors or struggling up and down many flights of stairs.
A Croydon Council email, seen by Your Local Guardian, stated in May that the London Fire Brigade was “involved in the block for a number of reasons… The fire brigade have requested works to the fire alarm, cladding and the current evacuation strategy.”
Criterion Hospitality, which owns the block, did not respond to a request for comment about the inspection.
Croydon Council said it would keep residents updated on the outcome, but the inspection report will be written by the government.
“We will work with London Fire Brigade, the building owners, leaseholder and management company to discuss the findings and any improvements, if required,” the council added.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here