Barnes Wallis Court fire
We believe that lighting struck the roof of Barnes Wallis Court, Chalkhill estate, Wembley in the early morning of Sunday 7 June. Residents were placed in emergency hotel accommodation on that evening with some residents opting to stay with family and friends.
A public meeting was held on Monday 8 June in which residents were given an update regarding emergency accommodation, access to Barnes Wallis Court and emergency funds. At the discretion of Metropolitan Housing Trust we have agreed to provide an emergency fund of £100 per household. From tomorrow, the majority of residents will have access to their properties to pick up essential personal items and important documents. A dedicated helpdesk has been set up and residents are receiving frequent updates.
As is usual in these situations, the Fire Brigade are currently carrying out an independent forensic investigation, the results of which will be made public. We can confirm that the Fire Brigade Officers have said that that there was satisfactory access to the property and that they were not hindered by security gates.
Refurbishments works, which were part of the regeneration work to Chalkhill estate, were carried out in accordance with relevant regulations. Lightning conductors were in place.
We do not know at present how long residents will need to be housed in temporary accommodation but our priority is to ensure individual needs are met. We will re-house people in suitable, more permanent, accommodation as soon as possible.
All press enquiries should be directed to:
Mary Dowling
Head of Communications
mary.dowling@mhp-online.co.uk
07921 283 428
Jason Grant
Communications Officer
Jason.grant@mhp-online.co.uk
07786 274535