People living in a tower block without sprinklers are demanding the council release the building’s fire safety plan.
Waltham Forest Council says the plans for Fred Wigg and John Walsh Towers are “commercially confidential” while its refurbishment is still under consideration.
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, many residents are stressing the importance that all residents have clear instructions on fire safety.
A petition calling on the council to publish the plans is just shy of 200 signatures.
A 1960s icon
Leytonstone’s iconic towers overlooking Wanstead Flats have been the source of controversy as the council looks to carry out extensive renovations.
New blocks are set to go up around them while the towers themselves undergo major refurbishment.
For this happen many residents are being moved out of their homes.
In 2014, a consultation document about the refurbishment plans mentioned a new cladding as part of the proposed "transformation".
Concerned residents are insisting the council publically states that “no cladding will added to the building unless it is 100 per cent non-flammable and meets the highest safety standards”.
They also called on the council to sprinklers to the towers as part of the refurbishment.
In response, a council spokesman said: "Our team have shared the refurbishment objectives of the Fred Wigg and John Walsh towers with tenant representatives and they are aware of our intention to fit sprinklers.
“As the refurbishment process is still under consideration, bidder's designs and accompanying fire strategies are currently commercially confidential.
“As soon as a preferred provider has been appointed full details of designs and fire strategies will be provided to all residents before any work takes place."
Who can forget when the army were allowed to put missile launchers on top of the towers during the Olympics?
Throwing their support behind the petition, Sharon Coles said safety is paramount for residents.
She added: "Fire safety has been shown to be absolutely essential. This needs to be a guaranteed priority."
Another supporter, Nancy Taaffe, said she met with residents after a fire in their block.
She added: "I think everybody has the right to feel safe in their homes."
Malcolm Barrall put it bluntly: "We really need to know is [sic] these tower blocks are going to be safe."
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