‘It could happen again at any moment’: Grenfell survivors join residents trapped in dangerous flats to demand urgent action
As thousands continue to reside in unsafe homes with unfit cladding, the government has been told to act immediately "or be responsible for another Grenfell."
Survivors and bereaved family members from the Grenfell Tower fire have joined forces with residents trapped in dangerous flats as part of a major campaign to remove cladding and transform housing legislation.
Campaigners are claiming that 700,000 people are still living in dangerous conditions six months after the government announced a repair fund – with millions of others residing in unsellable homes.
The ‘End Our Cladding Scandal’ campaign has relaunched this week – setting out 10 Asks to resolve the crisis which has left about 200,000 high-rise homes wrapped in deadly materials.
Grenfell Tower was consumed by flames in summer 2017 and claimed the lives of 72 people.
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The fire spread rapidly due to materials used in construction, and reviews have revealed that as around 20,000 high-rise flats still have the same unfit cladding today.
Grenfell United, a group of bereaved families and survivors, have warned a similar incident in another building could “happen at any moment.”
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“It’s been three years since the fire that took the lives of our loved ones and neighbours,” said GU representatives.
“With this dangerous cladding still on buildings all it will take is a simple kitchen fire to cause another Grenfell.”
They added: “Only the Government has the capacity to sort this mess out. They haven’t done enough and every month they stall they are willingly leaving thousands of people in danger. Rishi Sunak and Robert Jenrick need to step up and make this right.”
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Backed by former Grenfell residents, groups are demanding an urgent national effort to remove all dangerous cladding from buildings by June 2022 and for funding to be provided up front to all blocks.
The 10 Asks are from the groups are as follows:
The Government must lead an urgent national effort to remove all dangerous cladding from buildings by June 2022, actively prioritising the buildings most at risk
The Building Safety Fund must cover all buildings, regardless of height, and a range of internal and external fire safety defects not just cladding
The Government should provide the money up front, and then seek to recover it from any responsible parties or via a temporary levy on development
Social housing providers must have full and equal access to the fund
The Government must compel building owners or managers to be honest with residents about fire safety defects
The Government should cover the cost of interim safety measures
The Government should act as an insurer of last resort and underwrite insurance where premiums have soared
A fairer, faster process is needed to replace EWS and funding is necessary to ensure all buildings requiring a form are surveyed within 12 months
Mental health support must be offered to affected residents
Protecting residents from historic and future costs must be a key commitment of new building safety legislation
The campaign states that the £1bn Government Fund will cover fewer than 600 of the 2,957 developments requiring restoration, leaving 2,357 with no recourse to remediation.
Without government funding, costs have fallen on leaseholders – and some residents are being charged more than £100,000 to finance the repairs themselves.
Leaseholders are also required to fund waking watches (24-hour fire patrols) at costs of up to £800 per month until their blocks are deemed safe.
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Michael Mansfield QC, representing a collective of lawyers working for Grenfell Tower families, said: “There are many more Grenfell fires waiting to happen. Thousands of citizens are at risk.
“After three years it is a disgrace that this risk has not been eradicated by the removal of all combustible cladding. With the advent of more lockdown, the message is clear and urgent CLADOFF!”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester has expressed his support for the plan and local Cladiator group, along with Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor and Chair of the Greater Manchester High Rise Task Force.
The Manchester Cladiators have said that residents are “suffering”, claiming the government has continued to pursue a “flawed approach” which is putting lives at risk.
Ritu Saha, a founding member of the UK Cladding Action Group, said the government “must act now or be responsible for another Grenfell.”
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“Grenfell has exposed terrible failings of the building safety regulatory regime in this country,” said Saha.
“Thousands of buildings are now deemed unsafe, with horrific mental and financial consequences for innocent leaseholders.
“Any decent government must put the safety of residents first.”
News
How to look after your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night
Thomas Melia
Bonfire Night may be a blessing for some families who can take advantage of the beautifully lit sky and incredible views, but for those who own cats or dogs, this isn’t necessarily the case.
When it comes to your furry friends then simply turning to their owners is usually the best point of call, but sometimes it’s still good to have a quick refresher on how to spot when your pet is in distress.
Luxury clothing retailer, Joules, is one of those leading research this year as they provide a list of tips and tricks on how to notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, soothe your cat’s stress and just generally make things more manageable for your four-legged companions.
72% of cat and dog owners see a change in their pets’ behaviour over this season, with 68% saying that they are frightened by the loud noises. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips on how to take care of your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night.
How to create a safe space for pets on Bonfire Night
Cover your windows where possible
Closing the curtains is always a good start; although this may not reduce the noise fully, it will help to block out the flashes from those pesky fireworks and even dial those big bangs down slightly.
In order to combat sudden light changes, dog owners are advised to keep their lights on, this way the animals are used to this setting and there are no drastic differences.
The simplest thing you can do is just make sure you’re there for your animals; much like us humans, they don’t like to deal with things on their own and sometimes it’s nice to have a helping hand by their side for reassurance – especially when that includes some always welcome petting.
It’s also good to keep their minds occupied by playing games and interactive activities with them to distract their cute little faces from all the madness outside.
Stay calm yourself
It might sound a little self-involved but it’s also important that alongside keeping your dogs and cats company and playing with them, make sure to keep calm yourself, much like your children and little ones you know, dogs are very reactive and can pick up on emotions easily.
As much as this information may be handy, you still know your pet best, so reacting to their behaviour and catering to their needs is definitely a must.
There are also some easy ways to spot something’s up…
The best way to spot any changes in your dog or cat’s behaviour is to look for these nine surefire signs – if you spot them, they’re most likely feeling unsettled by the celebrations.
Whining or barking – this will include whimpering, crying, barking, and growling.
Clinginess – i.e. more than normal.
Excessive panting or drooling – can signal anxiety and distress instead of the usual excitement.
Hiding or trying to find a safe space
Trying to escape – make sure your doors and windows are locked and dog/cat flaps are covered.
Trembling and shaking – soothing strokes can still work wonders.
Pacing or restlessness – if you can get them to just sit with you that’s a step in the right direction.
Loss of appetite – but don’t try and force them to eat though, the goal is to help them relax.
Dilated pupils
Whether you’re cosying up to your cat or dog, or venturing out to a bonfire, make sure you stay safe this November and most importantly have fun!
You can find all the rest of the events happening for Guy Fawkes Night 2024 here:
Manchester to commemorate our armed forces with ceremony and parade this Remembrance Sunday
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to fall silent and remember the fallen during this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
Just as it does each year, Manchester City Council has now revealed the details of how the city will mark Remembrance Sunday this weekend, and has confirmed that the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade will set off at 10:25am from John Dalton Street.
Civic dignitaries, servicemen and women, service and ex-service organisations, faith leaders, emergency services, and other uniformed organisations, have all been invited to lay traditional poppy wreaths and pay their respects at the Cenotaph in St. Peter’s Square, along with members of the public.
Proceedings will start at 10:25am, and run through until midday.
Plans to mark Remembrance Sunday in Manchester have been announced / Credit: David Dixon (via Geograph)
Veterans and military personnel will march from John Dalton Street to the Cenotaph, where a service will be held at 11am, along with a two-minute silence, all before a short march to Peter Street across St Peter’s Square then takes place to close out the commemorations.
The two-minute silence will be observed at 11am, and the start and finish of this silence marked by the firing of a maroon.
In order for necessary security checks and safeguards to be carried out, Manchester City Council has confirmed that a series of road closures will be implemented on Sunday 10 November between 7am and 1pm.
The following road closures will be in place:
John Dalton Street (Deansgate to Cross Street)
Princess Street (Cross Street to Portland Street) with a ‘hard closure’ at Back George Street
Cross Street (Princess Street to King Street)
Peter Street (Deansgate to Oxford Street) with a ‘hard closure’ at Watson street and Hale Street
Mount Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
Bootle Street (Deansgate to Mount Street)
Lloyd Street (Deansgate to Southmill)
Jackson Row (Deansgate to Southmill)
Central Street (Southmill to Mount Street)
Cooper Street (Kennedy to Princess Street)
West Mosely Street (Booth Street to princess Street)
Bow Lane (Clarence Street to Princess Street)
St James’s Square (South King Street to John Dalton Street)
Ridgefield (Mulberry Street to John Dalton Street)
All the road closures for the ceremony have been confirmed too / Credit: Manchester City Council
As well as road closures, there will also be a number of parking restrictions set to apply on the day too.
It has been confirmed that all parking bays – including accessible parking bays – will be suspended from 8pm on Saturday 9 November, right through to 2pm on Sunday 10 November.
The roads where parking restrictions will apply are:
Lloyd Street (Deansgate to Southmill Street)
Jackson Row (Deansgate to Southmill Street)
Bootle Street (Deansgate to Mount Street)
Mount Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
Peter Street (Deansgate to Oxford Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Chepstow)
Princess Street (Albert Square to Portland Street)
John Dalton Street (Deansgate to Albert Square)
Ridgefield Street (John Dalton Street to South King Street)
Central Street (Southmill Street to Mount Street)
St James’ Square (South King Street to John Dalton)
Windmill Street (Mount Street to Watson Street)
Cross Street (Princess Street to King Street)
Cooper Street (Kennedy to Princess Street)
West Mosely Street (Booth Street to Princess Street)
Bow Lane (Clarence Street to Princess Street)
When it comes to other forms of public transport, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that no trams will run through St Peter’s Square between 10am and 12:30pm on Sunday 10 November.