Maria Miller MP for Basingstoke has asked Hampshire Fire and Rescue and a local social housing landlord to urgently review what action needs to be taken in Basingstoke following the devastating fire at a tower block in west London yesterday.
Over the past year Maria has met Hampshire Fire and Rescue following concerns about fire safety in Oakridge Towers, which houses particularly vulnerable residents.
Maria said, " The fire in west London is an appalling tragedy and my thoughts are with the victims and their families. There will be many questions to answer here in Basingstoke regarding the conversion of offices to flats and the cladding used in those renovations.
"I have had particular concerns raised with me in the last 18 months regarding Oakridge Tower, a social housing tower block in Basinsgtoke. It is clear to me that the safety of residents is an overwhelming priority for the Hampshire Fire Service and social landlords Vivid (Sentinel) when I met them to discuss concerns about Oakridge Towers. But it's clear that there will be further questions to answer following the dreadful events of yesterday, particularly regarding the "Stay Put" guidance given to residents when a fire occurs. In the particular case of Oakridge Towers, the operator Vivid needs to be able to reassure residents that in the case of a full evacuation sufficient support is in place for the number of disabled and vulnerable residents."