Cladding at four Hackney tower blocks to be replaced after tests find it is not up to standard

Cladding at four tower blocks in the north of the borough is to be replaced after tests showed it did not meet modern fire safety standards.

Inspections of all high-rise blocks after the Grenfell Tower fire found there were no immediate safety concerns on any building.

But further tests were recommended on three blocks at Lincoln Court, in Bethune Road, Stamford Hill and at Hugh Gaitskell House in Stoke Newington.

The results of two separate surveys have now come back, and have recommended the external insulation be updated because it does not meet modern fire safety standards. It is not the same cladding as that used at Grenfell, however.

Work will begin immediately to remove the cladding and install the new one. The town hall said it will also use the work as an opportunity to “investigate any additional improvements that can be carried out on the blocks” at Lincoln Court.

The fire brigade says the homes need not be vacated while the work is done by contractor Wates. It is expected to be completed in the autumn and will come at no cost to tenants or leaseholders.

A letter has been sent to the blocks by director of housing service Michael Scorer, who earlier this week wrote to tenants of 355 Queensbridge Road telling them sprinklers were to be installed in their 19-storey block.

His letter said: “We have since completed two separate surveys which have confirmed that, although there is no significant fire risk, the external wall insulation can be updated to meet modern fire safety standards.”