BRADFORD’S biggest landlord has written to all tenants of its 30 tower blocks, seeking to reassure them of their safety in the wake of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in London.

A public inquiry is to look into the causes of the blaze which killed at least 79 people, but serious concerns have already been raised about the cladding used on the building, the lack of sprinklers inside and the ‘stay put’ policy that told tenants to stay in their flats in the event of a fire.

Such policies work on the basis that fires which break out in one flat should not spread throughout the rest of the building.

Now Incommunities has told its tenants that a similar ‘stay put’ policy operating in its high-rise blocks will be reviewed.

In the letter, Geraldine Howley, chief executive of social housing group Incommunities, says: “Incommunities operates a ‘stay put’ policy that was developed and agreed in partnership with the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Incommunities regularly reviews this policy and we will continue to monitor advice being issued to ascertain if there is anything more we need to do.”

The letter also says that cladding used by Incommunities is “non-combustible rock wool insulation and is not the same as that used in the London tower blocks”.

On Friday, Keighley’s new MP John Grogan visited four Incommunities towers in his constituency, chatting to staff and residents.

He said he had asked whether they would retro-fit sprinklers, and was told that they would comply with any new rulings but fitting sprinklers would be a costly exercise.

He said: “I have been reassured that Incommunities are complying with current legislation and are also considering further safety measures but rightly are pointing out the cost implications for them if Parliament decides to enact fresh legislation.”

Adrienne Reid, Incommunities’ assistant chief executive for neighbourhood services, said: “The visit was extremely positive and we welcome Mr Grogan’s passion to help his constituents. He showed a real enthusiasm and this gave us the opportunity to also outline the steps we have taken to reassure residents following the tragic fire in London last week including writing to everyone living in our high rise blocks.

“We also reassured Mr Grogan that all our blocks have up to date fire safety assessments and are subject to regular safety inspections.

“We explained that we work closely with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to ensure we consistently provide the highest standards of safety for our customers.

“We have also taken steps to carry out independent checks across all our blocks to provide further reassurance.

“As a caring and responsible landlord we will monitor the outcome of the investigation into the fire and, where appropriate, act on the recommendations. As such it is too early to discuss the cost implications which could involve a range of measures.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies said he had been contacted by groups of concerned Incommunities residents living in high-rise blocks in Crosley Wood Road, Bingley, and had got in touch with the landlord.

He said while he was waiting for a detailed response, he had been reassured by a memo sent by Incommunities to all MPs.

Bradford East MP Imran Hussain is due to speak with chief fire officers tomorrow about safety measures currently in place in the district.

Meanwhile, students living in high-rise student accommodation have also received reassurance.

Subira Ismail, community and welfare officer at the University of Bradford students’ union, said the fire regulations in the properties inspected by student housing charity Unipol were very strict.

She said she had double-checked the situation in the light of the Grenfell Tower fire, saying as a Londoner herself, she had been very shaken by the tragedy.

“We wouldn’t want anything like that to happen here,” she said.