Hundreds of high rises across Britain have Grenfell Tower-style cladding leaving thousands of families living in fear
THOUSANDS of families were living in fear last night as it was revealed that 600 high rises across the country may have Grenfell Tower-style cladding.
So far 11 buildings in eight local authorities, including Camden, North London, have failed flame resistance tests on exterior panels.
That figure looks certain to soar as samples from as far afield as Cornwall, Bristol and Manchester were rushed for lab tests.
Safety officials fear combustible cladding — thought to have spread the Grenfell inferno, which killed at least 79 people — could be on scores of buildings.
The Government and councils face a new crisis over whether to evacuate and rehouse terrified families.
Samples from Camden, and Plymouth, Devon, were among the first to fail tests.
Workers removed cladding at an eight-storey block in Wythenshawe, Manchester, amid fears over 78 panels.
PM Theresa May confirmed about 600 blocks in England used cladding.
A No10 spokeswoman said it was a matter of urgency to keep residents informed.
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But it emerged the Government did not ask councils to check for suspect cladding until Monday — a week after the tragedy.
Mrs May, who will soon name a judge for the disaster inquiry, vowed: “No stone will be left unturned.
"For any guilty parties there will be nowhere to hide.”
RESIDENTS & COUNCIL SAFETY TIPS
SAFETY advice for tower block residents:
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it every week;
Don’t start cooking if you are very tired or have drunk a lot of alcohol;
If you smoke, make sure you put out cigs properly, and don’t smoke in bed;
Prepare a plan of action in case of emergency;
Keep escape routes clear;
Read the building’s evacuation procedure;
The Communities and Local Government Department’s safety advice for councils includes:
Carry out a fire risk assessment of tower blocks if none has been carried out in the previous year Engage with residents to ensure they understand emergency fire procedures including the meaning of “stay put”.