Reparative work has started a month after a fire risk assessment was carried out at a block of flats named Grainger House in Chichester, West Sussex.

Hyde Housing confirmed that the fire risk assessment discovered several issues with compartmentation within the communal areas of the building.

“Compartmentation refers to the way buildings are subdivided through fire doors, floors and walls of fire-resisting construction into manageable areas of risk, in order to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.”

In the meantime, a 24/7 fire marshal patrol will be in place at the block of flats. Due to the issues found, the fire strategy has changed from staying put to evacuating simultaneously.

Residents of Grainger House were able to raise their concerns about the work with a councillor last week. An anonymous resident had previously raised concerns “about soundproofing between floors of the building, he said, and therefore the risk of fire spreading.” Hyde housing responded saying that the “soundproofing in the building ‘exceeds the minimum requirement as tested and recorded by building control’.

The meeting is a sign of Hyde Housing’s commitment to “continue to work with our residents at Grainger House, as well as key stakeholders including the local councillor, to ensure that the work is carried out as quickly and effectively as possible.” Liz Oliver, Hyde Housing’s Interim Director of Compliance, said the meeting was very successful.

Local Councillor Sarah Sharp has not seen the results of the risk assessment but remains pleased with the willingness of Hyde Housing employees to collaborate with and listen to resident’s concerns. However, Councillor Sharp is aware that the results of the action plan are what really counts.

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