Fire safety upgrades needed at Ipswich council flats

Fire safety upgrades are set to be carried out at flat complexes in Ipswich after national changes in guidelines.

Ipswich Borough Council is looking for a contractor to carry out maintenance at buildings housing the elderly, the disabled or others in need of sheltered accommodation.

The first phase will cover Holywells Court, in Felix Road; Reydon House, in Clapgate Lane; Dundee House, in Renfrew Road; Morecombe Court, in Roundwood Road and Walton House, in Emlen Street.

The authority has been working with fire safety specialists, Ridge & Partners LLP, as well as Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to identify improvements for each site.

Work could include fire alarm upgrades, sprinklers and replacement of fire doors, although it would differ between each premises.

Cllr Alasdair Ross, from the borough council, said: “The safety of our residents is the council’s highest priority.

“In line with the latest fire safety rules, a programme of essential fire safety improvements has been identified by expert consultants and the executive [committee] is now being asked to agree the award of contracts to deliver these works.”