Following the 2017 Grenfell tragedy, the commitment was made to invest £10m in this extra level of protection for tenants and leaseholders. 

Safety for residents and buildings has always been a top priority for the Stockport ALMO but after the Grenfell fire, they and their parent council worked closely with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) to decide what more could be done.

Despite serious challenges to work schedules as a result of the pandemic, sprinkler systems are now in place in 1579 flats and many residents have said this extra safety measure, alongside SH’s continuing fire safety awareness and building improvement programme, has brought them a lot of reassurance.

John Bowker, Executive Director of Operations at Stockport Homes, says: “This project is part of a much wider investment programme into building safety.
“Over the last five years, an additional £7 million pounds has been invested to ensure compliance with fire safety. This has included communal fire doors, smoke/heat alarms and compartmentalisation.

“We are committed to continuing to invest in the safety of the properties we manage to keep our customers safe.”

Stockport has led the way in improving building safety to protect council home residents, said Councillor Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing at Stockport Council.

“We are proud to have been part of this extensive project with our outstanding partners Stockport Homes and the GM Fire and Rescue Service,” she said.

“Creating safer homes is of the utmost importance to us and Stockport Homes. This project had vital cross-party support and is also a tribute to our late colleague Councillor Sheila Bailey, my predecessor as portfolio holder – who worked hard to secure the investment and help us champion safety in the light of Grenfell.”

More information about Stockport’s fire safety programme can be found here.