Mortgage Solutions reported on developer Barratt pausing cladding removal at the Dalston Square development, the company having ‘blamed the Covid-19 outbreak’ for the postponement of work. This comes despite the government having advised recently that cladding removal works ‘remain a top priority and should continue’ when safe to do so, even during the nationwide lockdown.
A resident in the development told the news outlet: ‘Every day that these urgent works are not carried out the safety of residents is put at risk – even more so with everyone now at home. Barratt has known about the issue since November 2018. Work can continue with social distancing, but they have now blamed the coronavirus for delays.’
In response, Barratt said that a fire alarm system fitted in the development would keep residents safe while works are paused, but residents reported issues with being able to hear the alarm, with the quoted resident adding: ‘Barratt says there is a fire alarm in place, but it has not been properly tested with everyone evacuated when I have been home.’
A spokesperson for Barratt Developments commented: ‘Following the installation of an enhanced fire detection system, all necessary measures are in place at Dalston Square to ensure the safety of residents. Our priority during the global coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic is the health and safety of our workforce and we have taken the decision to temporarily close our construction sites and stop all non-essential works.
‘We are committed to continuing work at Dalston Square as a matter of urgency as soon as it is safe to do so.’