[0762]

I don't quite agree with that view SCO. I have also worked in the construction, roads and transport industry for a very long time and there are some scathing criticisms and facts which will eventually unfold re incidents like this one. Grenfell Tower was refurbished in 2016 in a joint exercise between the conservative K&C Council and the Tenants' Management Organisation (private group) to the tune of £10M. Sure, the building was not the best of designs but the Fire Brigade expert opinion confirms that this fire should never have spread like this one and the initial fire in a 4th floor flat should have been isolated from the rest of the building. Did you know that a sprinkler system alone would have cost £200k but not implemented after previous scathing comments and recommendations from a London Coroner re a fire in Southwork! Also I'll wager a wad of money that cost cutting measures were applied on this project and the use of a fully accountable Clerk(s) of Works, to oversee the use properly specified materials and the work itself, is highly debatable. Done it, seen it and 'professional accountability and good practise' are the key words in this debate!! I acknowledge the weakness of a single staircase fire exit but safety could still be greatly improved in such a scenario and Fire Brigade experts have confirmed that fact as well.