Wandsworth tower blocks higher than 10 storeys to get sprinklers in wake of Grenfell Tower tragedy

Tower blocks in Wandsworth more than 10 storeys high are to have sprinklers installed in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The council has announced plans to install sprinklers in all its tower blocks and said the work would commence as soon as possible.

Sprinkler systems will be fitted inside every flat in 100 tower blocks across the borough and in about 6,400 properties in total.

Fire marshals have been deployed at Sudbury House and Castlemaine Tower in the borough until the sprinklers can be fitted after the buildings were found to be fitted with the type of cladding similar to Grenfell Tower, where at least 79 people died in the June 14 tragedy.

Sections of the cladding have been removed from the building and sent away for Government testing.

The council’s leader Ravi Govindia said: “The dreadful and tragic events at Grenfell House have brought this issue into sharp focus and although we do not believe there is a specific risk to any of our high rise properties we are simply not prepared to take a chance.

“We will therefore be fitting water sprinklers to every home in these 100 blocks as quickly as possible so that our residents can be reassured that everything that can be done is being done to protect them, their families and their homes.”

Wandsworth Borough Fire Commander Darren Munro added: “I very much welcome this announcement. This is a big commitment from Wandsworth and we will continue to work closely with the council to make sure the borough and its residents are as safe as possible.”