Nottingham City Council and Nottingham City Homes are going ahead with the installation of sprinklers in all 13 residential high rise blocks that they own and run in the city.

The council has agreed the use of £8.5m to carry out the work to improve safety for all residents – but is still pursuing the Government to cover the costs as it promised to shortly after the Grenfell fire.

The council has asked Nottingham City Homes to deliver a programme of works that will start in March and include:

  • Fire sprinkler installation in each flat, and in all communal areas
  • Intercom upgrade/installation
  • Tannoy system upgrade/installation.

All high rise residents will receive letters this week outlining the proposals and explaining that details on when the work will take place in their block will follow later. Nottingham City Homes will hold information events for residents at each high rise before works start at their block. The programme is scheduled to start next month.

Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing and Heritage, Councillor Jane Urquhart, said: “Following the Grenfell disaster, we carried out fire safety audits in all of our high rise blocks with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue and tenant representatives.

“The clear conclusion was that we needed to fit sprinklers in communal areas and flats, as well as upgrading or installing intercom and tannoy systems, to keep residents as safe as possible. We took Government at their word when they said financial constraints would not prevent such work being carried out – but so far they appear to be going back on that promise.

“We will continue to urge them to help us fund this vital work, so that we don’t have to alter, delay or stop other housing improvements, but in the meantime we are pressing ahead with these safety improvements.”

Chief Executive of NCH Nick Murphy said: “This programme of fire safety improvements will offer further reassurance to the people living in the council’s high rise blocks.  We are pleased the council has asked us to carry out these works.  We will work closely with residents to keep them informed.  We will hold information events in each block before works start, but if anyone has anyone concerns before then they should not hesitate to contact us.”