Southwark News reported on the approval of the new fire doors after a fire safety review by the City of London Corporation, which has now ‘pledged’ to fit the doors on the Avondale and Southwark Estates. Residents will have communal, front and fire escape doors replaced by new units with ‘enhanced’ fire resistance, at a cost of £9m – and the work affects 7,000 residents. The corporation has also agreed to fit sprinklers in all social housing blocks by the end of 2020.

Randall Anderson, chairman of the corporation’s community and children services committee, commented: ‘The security of residents is our number one priority. We want all our residents to be safe and feel safe in their homes,” said Randall Anderson, Chairman of the City Corporation’s Community and Children Services Committee. We have worked hard to enhance fire safety on our estates, and these new doors will increase protection and reassurance for thousands of Londoners.’