Kirklees Together

Council housing tenants are urged to play their part after legal action was taken to ensure vital fire safety works could be completed.

Four warrants have been issued by magistrates, allowing us to gain entry to council flats on Brooklyn Road, Cleckheaton. This was so urgent repairs to smoke detectors could take place to prevent tenants from being put at risk.

The work to improve the efficiency of the fire alarm systems is part of our commitment to improving tenant safety.

This coincides with a £90 million improvement plan already underway across the council’s housing stock, aimed at addressing safety issues.

How many residents were contacted?

More than 50 residents across the three blocks of flats were contacted to gain access to properties to be able to carry out repairs. Residents were contacted via door-knocking, letters and reminders, asking them to arrange appointments for the essential fire safety work to take place.

Whilst the majority were happy to provide access to their homes, four tenants failed to engage with council staff. Placing the rest of their building at risk in the event of a fire.

As a last resort, legal proceedings were started which resulted in warrants being issued granting access to the properties.

These works have now been carried out, ensuring the safety of tenants in the event of a fire.

Councillor Cathy Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing and Democracy, said:

“Keeping our tenants safe is our number one priority, which is why we have committed £90 million to making these essential improvements.

Whilst the majority of tenants share our commitment to upgrading the safety of our homes, we need all tenants to play their part.

I’m pleased to see that necessary legal action was taken in this case. It is always a last resort but in this case was necessary to ensure everyone in the building remains safe.”