Here’s why
Around 650 households were evacuated last night as checks on the cladding and insulation was found not be safe, following the Grenfell inferno.
London Fire Brigade said to council leader Georgia Gould that they cannot guarantee the safety of residents as the cladding, Gould said of the cladding it “was not up to the standard that we wanted and was not fire retardant.”
Joe Tidy from Sky News, posted this video on Twitter:
Scene inside leisure centre where dozens of beds laid out for evacuees. Shot by a resident who’s “dreading” prospect of night here. #CAMDEN pic.twitter.com/hjOp3NWdyf
— Joe Tidy (@joetidy) June 23, 2017
She added: “We realise that this is hugely distressing for everyone affected and we will be doing all we can, alongside the London Fire Brigade and other authorities, to support our residents at this difficult time.”
“The Grenfell fire changes everything – we need to do everything we can to keep residents safe.”
“I know this is difficult but…I don’t believe we can take any risks with our residents’ safety and I have to put them first.
“We know it’s a scary time but we’ll make sure they’re safe.”
Communities and local governments minister, Sajid Javid said to Sky News: “After the Grenfell Tower tragedy, it is vital we carry out checks and make sure people are safe.
Source: @Photoshot
“The local fire safety authority found alongside the cladding problem, which is a serious problem, multiple fire safety failures, including, for example, insulation of gas pipes, fire doors missing, plywood above doors and that’s what makes Camden different and why the decision was made to evacuate.”
“Things have gone horribly wrong in the case of Grenfell and with the failures of safety at Camden. It’s correct to think long-term about what this means for fire safety regulations, building regulations.
“These kinds of things should not have happened. But right now, the immediate priority is safety. But we have to learn the lessons from this and ensure this does not happen again.”
Camden council said in a statement at 01:24: “So far we have secured hundreds of hotel beds for Chalcots’ residents.”
“We’re encouraging all residents to stay with friends and family if they can, otherwise we’ll provide accommodation. Swiss Cottage rest centre is nearing capacity so we’ve secured more space at the Camden Centre King’s Cross.
“Specialist staff are on the ground to assist residents with care needs. Pets are also welcome at both rest centres and hotel accommodation.”
Georgia Gould, the leader of Camden council is back at Swiss Cottage Saturday morning to meet with residents.
Leader of Camden Council @Georgia_Gould is back at Swiss Cottage rest centre to meet residents and listen to concerns. pic.twitter.com/NY6ahZHsJa
— Camden Council (@camdentalking) June 24, 2017
London Fire Brigade said in statement, as to why the evacuations took place: “London Fire Brigade have been working at the Chalcots Estate with Camden Council.
“Following extensive joint visits and inspections the Brigade advised that there were a number of fire safety issues in the buildings and recommended that residents should not remain in the buildings until these issues are resolved.
“Camden Council have acted on this by evacuating and providing the residents with alternative accommodation so that remedial works can go ahead as quickly as possible.
“London Fire Brigade officers will continue to work with Camden to put in place measures to improve safety for residents in these buildings.”
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