Grenfell Tower Fire – Dudley Federation response

It was with great sadness that Board Members and staff of Dudley Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations watched the events at Grenfell Tower unfold. This sadness will be nothing compared to that of friends and family members of those who lost their lives in this awful tragedy and we send everyone affected our sincere and heartfelt condolences.

In hearing about the concerns raised by the Grenfell Action Group, we were understandably disappointed and angered that residents of the area had seemingly not been listened to. Tenants and Residents Associations/Action Groups are an important way for individuals to come together and be heard and it is a travesty when they are not taken seriously. This is the absolute worst example of this and one that we wish to never witness again.

In response to the horrific incident, Dudley Federation will not be having the usual raffle at our general meeting at the end of the month. Instead we will be taking monetary donations to send to the people and families affected by the tragedy. If you are unable to attend our meeting but wish to donate, you may do so via a JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/familiesofgrenfelltower

Are High Rise homes safe?

We have already been contacted by people worried about their homes following this fire. You may be aware that there are 25 high rise blocks in the Dudley Borough – totalling around 1500 flats. Here is our official statement in response to the events in London on how Dudley MBC will be responding:

“DFTRA have contacted the Council following the tower block fire in London which began on 14/6/17. The Council have confirmed that they have policies and procedures in place which aim to minimise as far as is reasonably possible the risk of any incident arising in any multi storey block, and as a result of this incident they are revisiting these policies and procedures to ensure that they remain fit for purpose, as well as seeking updated advice as appropriate from fire and rescue services.”

Councillor Les Jones, cabinet member for housing, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the families affected by this devastating fire in London. We have always worked very closely with Dudley Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations (DFTRA) and have spoken to them following the fire in London to confirm policies and procedures already in place which aim to minimise risks as far as is reasonably possible in our multi-storey blocks. Following the tragic incident in London we are revisiting these policies and procedures to ensure that they remain fit for purpose, as well as seeking updated advice as appropriate from fire and rescue services. I would like to reassure everyone that we will continue to do everything we can to keep people safe.”

The fire safety pages on the council internet site can be accessed here:

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/housing/council-housing/living-in-flats/flatted-estates-fire-safety-policy/

Dudley Federation intend to ensure that any appropriate actions are taken and would urge anyone with concerns to contact Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345. If you wish to discuss any of these concerns with us you may do so by emailing info@dftra.org.uk.