A residential tower block in Ipswich is awaiting fire safety upgrades even though local authority has approved the works.
Credit: Clynt Garnham/Alamy Stock Photo
According to a council report, Cumberland Towers, a high rise block of flats, requires a range of safety measure to bring it in line with the Fire Safety Act.
The work is required on 19 flats and despite budget approval from Ipswich Borough Council a date for the work is yet to be set.
The project is expected to be delivered in two phases, while the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports that design and specifications have been completed with tenders from contractors now invited.
The Fire Safety Act was updated in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, and to come in line with its requirements the upgrade work at Cumberland Towers includes:
Fire alarm upgrades or replacements;
Fire compartmentation works (including upgrading, repairing or replacement of fire doors);
Sprinkler installation;
Smoke control upgrades;
Loft compartmentation;
Ventilation systems;
Wayfinding signage;
Electrical compliance and upgrading/new wiring where required as part of the overall fire strategy.
At the council meeting, a lack of date and timeframe around the project was raised as a concern for residents.
Labour Councillor Alasdair Ross explained that a timeframe would become clearer once the procurement process was completed.
