The possible removal of balcony doors from tower blocks in Leytonstone will not jeopardise the safety of residents, Ascham Homes has claimed.

Earlier this week it was revealed the council’s housing manager Ascham Homes was served with an order from the fire service.

During an inspection of Fredd Wigg and John Walsh Towers in Montague Road, officers were not able to pass freely along the balconies, a fire escape route.

Ascham was told to fix the issue and suggested removing the doors.

However, residents who claim they will then be sharing space with strangers, giving them access to their homes, were infuriated.

Jo Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive of Ascham Homes said: “Fire safety is an important consideration in the management of property.

“The glass panels at John Walsh and Fred Wigg Towers were installed in 2002 but the areas where they are located are neither balconies nor the individual spaces of residents.

“They are in fact designed to be a secondary means of escape during a fire so it is essential that these areas are clear and accessible at all times. The design and the use of this area presents a challenge for reliable compliance with fire safety regulations.

“We do not believe that our proposals will have a significant impact on security for individual residents, but are confident that they will promote increased fire safety for all residents.”

Ascham has until August 18 to comply with the order.

The controversial tower regeneration project is set to begin within the next year.