A senior councillor has backed The Gazette's calls for FirstPort to act quickly over fire safety concerns at Crown Heights.

As this newspaper revealed this week, the accommodation block is wrapped in combustible cladding and poses a threat to residents. 

Cllr Tristan Robinson, who is responsible for homes and families, said he supported the paper's calls for the property management firm to act. 

The Cabinet Member for Homes and Families said: “My prime concern is the safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

"I was approached by Crown Heights residents worried about the interim fire safety measures the building’s owners have in place following a recent survey report. Last week I attended a virtual residents’ association meeting to talk to more residents and hear their concerns. 

“In response, we set up a group of specialist senior officers to look into what action needs to be taken as a matter of urgency.

“Residents didn't create these problems, and we are committed to working with the freeholder, management company, and home builder to remove the cost of the waking watch, introduced for their safety, and ensure that a new interlinked alarm system is installed as soon as possible.

“Discussions with the building management company and the fire service have reassured us about the interim safety measures to protect residents.

"I am clear that the management company and freeholder need to progress their plans to install a new alarm system at pace, followed by any additional work deemed necessary on the building to give further reassurance.

"We will do what we can, working closely with the fire and rescue service, to ensure the work needed is carried out as soon as possible.”