Block burnt down in Christmas blaze to be rebuilt

5:30pm Friday 4th July 2008

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Tenders are being invited to rebuild a block of flats destroyed in a fire caused by a child playing with matches at Christmas.

The block of flats at Marston Way, Upper Norwood, were gutted by blaze which started on Christmas Day.

"As a consequence of the fire, many more tenants will be a lot safer should anyone be so stupid as to play with matches again in future."

Councillor Dudley Mead

Residents reported losing "everything" in the fire which ripped through the flats.

Croydon Council said it expects to receive tenders for rebuilding work this summer.

This should allow for construction work to begin in the autumn with the job taking an estimated nine months to complete.

Planning permission is being sought simultaneously in order to reduce delays.

The council's insurers are said to be picking up the bill.

Work to improve fire resistance at another Marston Way block is continuing.

Similar work will be done at eight blocks on the Tollgate estate in Ashburton. This will be largely funded by the council's repairs and improvement budget.

Councillor Dudley Mead said: "I am disappointed that we won't be able to rebuild the block within 12 months as I would have liked. But there is a significant risk of the costs escalating and not being met by insurance if we press for a speedy conclusion.

He added: "It's important not to forget that the Fire Brigade report confirms that the fire had been started in a bedroom by a child playing with matches. The safety of tenants and occupiers is a prime consideration for the council.

"But it's virtually impossible to eliminate this kind of risk. As always though, unexpected incidents provide an opportunity to learn lessons. The Marston Way fire has enabled us to seek out all properties originally built to dated construction standards and to upgrade precautions.

"As a consequence of the fire, many more tenants will be a lot safer should anyone be so stupid as to play with matches again in future."