FOLLOWING the Grenfell Tower disaster, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is reassuring residents that their safety is its main priority.

With concerns for similar tower blocks around the country, and many mainstream media outlets reporting different reasons for the cause of the tragedy, the borough council has said it is working closely with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to make sure something like this doesn’t happen in the borough.  

Flames tore through the 24-storey tower block in north Kensington on June 14, leaving people trapped on upper floors - some holding babies out of windows and others jumping from their flats.

Deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for housing and regeneration for the borough council, Cllr Terri Reid said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower in West London. 

"The council transferred its housing stock to local housing associations a number of years ago and is not a landlord of social housing but we want to offer reassurance to our residents that their safety is of paramount importance to us. 

“We have been speaking to local housing providers and are reviewing the situation with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to see what further support and reassurance we can offer to residents. 

“If you live in or nearby buildings that you have concerns about we encourage you to contact the owner of the property and also see the advice provided by Hampshire Fire and Rescue.”

For more safety information visit hantsfire.gov.uk.