Risk assessments are being carried out in Lewisham high-rise flats after more than 30 people were killed in the tower block fire in west London.
Mayor of Lewisham Steve Bullock said the council will assess the implications of the blaze at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington on the borough’s tower blocks.
He said: “We have been in constant contact with the various housing providers in Lewisham in the last couple of days and we will be writing to them all to get their assurance that risk assessments will be carried out as soon as possible.
“We are prepared to offer whatever advice and support might be necessary to ensure this happens.
“As further lessons and recommendations emerge from this terrible tragedy we will respond accordingly.”
A statement on the Lewisham Homes website said: “This is an unprecedented situation and our thoughts are with all those affected by this horrific event.
“The cause of the fire will not be established for some time. However, we can reassure residents that safety is our top priority.
“All Lewisham Homes blocks are regularly risk assessed and we work closely with the London Fire Service to ensure they are as safe as possible.
“We have been investing in fire safety measures for a number of years and are continuing to do so.
“Once we get more information on what caused the fire to spread at Grenfell Tower, we will do further checks and provide further advice.”
Lewisham Homes was prosecuted last year and ordered to pay out more than £60,000 for breaking fire safety laws after two women died in a deliberately started fire in a Deptford tower block.
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February 2011: Woman killed by the Marine Tower fire in Deptford named
February 2016: Lewisham Homes prosecuted over fire that killed two women at Marine Tower, Deptford
More than 100 firefighters tackled the flames which ripped through the 16th floor flats at Marine Tower, in Deptford’s Abinger Grove, on February 4, 2011.
Marine Tower, Deptford.
Sri Lankan nationals Kunaliny Alagaratnam, 42, who was a resident at Marine Tower, and her cousin Santhirapathy Tharmalingam, 59, who had been visiting, were both killed in the blaze after becoming trapped in their flat.
In May 2012 Sandra Clarke, a resident at Marine Tower, was found guilty of two counts of manslaughter at Woolwich Crown Court and sentenced to a minimum prison term of six years and eight months.
PA graphic
Other housing providers in the borough, Hyde, L&Q, and Phoenix, issued similar statements and assured residents in high rise blocks that safety is a priority following the Grenfell tragedy.
More than 200 firefighters were sent to tackle the North Kensington blaze which was reported just before 1am on Wednesday.
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Fears death toll of Grenfell Tower fire in north Kensington could reach triple figures
Firefighters were on the scene within six minutes.
The cause of the fire was not known at this stage, London Fire Brigade said, but residents said refurbishment work had recently been carried out with cladding on the outside of the structure and work on the gas supply to the flats.
Prime Minister Theresa May ordered a full public inquiry into the disaster in response to mounting anger that the fire might have been preventable.
On Thursday police also confirmed they had launched a criminal investigation into the matter.
It followed calls for those involved in the building's recent renovation, which many claim posed a major safety risk, to face prosecution.
Do you live in a high rise tower block in Lewisham borough and are you concerned about safety? Get in touch on 01689 885 725 or email jessica.clark@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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