Wakefield Apartments Undergo Fire Risk Cladding Replacement

Multiple fire safety upgrades are underway in Wakefield and other UK cities to address high fire risks in residential buildings. In Wakefield, the Hebble Wharf apartment block will have its combustible cladding replaced with non-combustible aluminium materials, along with likely upgrades to insulation to improve fire safety and thermal performance, with no impact on the building's interior or conservation area status. Similarly, two high-rise flat blocks from the 1960s, Gillsike House and St Michaels House, are set for significant fire safety improvements including new sprinkler systems, ventilation, fire doors, and smoke control measures to comply with modern standards. In Brighton and Hove, a new neighbourhood officer team has been introduced to support residents in council housing, focusing on safety requirements under recent fire safety legislation, including Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans for vulnerable residents. Additionally, Maidenhead Town Hall is implementing safety improvements after a fire drill revealed deficiencies in evacuation procedures, door access, and equipment, with new evacuation chairs installed and alarm systems upgraded. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment by local councils to enhance fire safety and protect residents in residential buildings and public facilities.