A private residential tower block in south London with cladding that has failed fire safety tests had its waking watch removed leaving residents concerned about their future wellbeing.
The Palm and Malt House development in Lambeth consists of three blocks, but only one of them is over 18 metres high. The blocks had a waking watch put in place after the combination of cladding used on the development failed Government fire safety tests carried out in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Bellway, who built the blocks, hired fire consultants who advised them that the buildings are safe without the need for a waking watch. They also advised residents that the London Fire Brigade had removed their objection of the waking watch’s removal. Bellway has said it will cover the £150,000 cost of the waking watch.
DJC Property Management has told residents they will now seek to clarify whether the block’s ACM cladding needs to be replaced but this is likely to take some time while official guidance is developed. But residents have been left wondering what fire safety measures are now in place to protect them from a Grenfell style fire.