Cllr Strickland comment on Broadwater Farm
Today, we and Homes for Haringey have started to visit residents on the Broadwater Farm estate to explain safety measures that we are taking following a review into the blocks. Reviews from structural engineers now suggest that some of the blocks do not meet the current required standards to use gas, and although the risk is very low, we are taking a number of precautionary steps to enable residents to stay in their homes.
The blocks we believe to be affected are Croydon, Hawkinge, Hornchurch, Lympne, Manston, Martlesham, Rochford, Debden and Stapleford. In total, around 1,400 people in 725 properties are affected.
Cllr Alan Strickland, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning, said:
“I know this will be an uncertain time for residents at Broadwater Farm, and I would like to reassure those affected that the risk is low and we are taking these steps as a precaution. The safety of our residents is our first concern.
“When Homes for Haringey started their investigations into the buildings, they met representatives of the Residents’ Association to explain that structural surveys would be carried out.
“The investigation has now suggested that the low rise blocks, built nearly fifty years ago, do not meet the current required standards to use gas. Structural engineers have carried out detailed surveys on flats in some of the affected blocks. Based on their assessment, it is very likely the construction was the same for all low rise blocks on the estate, and with residents’ safety the key priority, this means we will need to take precautions in all of them.
“Homes for Haringey will now be visiting every property to work with tenants and leaseholders to arrange to cap off the gas supplies for gas cookers and replace them with electric cookers, as well as taking additional steps such as installing valves to switch off the gas if a leak is detected, until permanent measures can be put in place. From structural engineers to the emergency services, we have experts informing every step that we take.
“More than 50 staff will be out on the estate, directly engaging with residents. We are holding drop-in sessions and have set up a phone line for those who are affected. There will, of course, be concerns, and I want to reassure the community that we are here to listen and work with our residents.
“As Christmas is approaching, we understand the disruption this will cause, and we are doing everything we can to complete this work as quickly as possible. As always, our priority is the safety of our residents, who we will support in any way possible.”
See our Broadwater Farm page for more information
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