Energy saving and other works carried out to five tower blocks at Weston (International Way)

The council has spent millions of pounds in fire safety and related improvements for your homes to mitigate the issues including: ​

• Installation of sprinkler and alarm systems​
• Remedial fire-stopping measures between flats and communal areas, and internally between flats ​
• New communal fire doors and screens ​
• New flat front doors ​
• Smoke detectors ​
• CCTV

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are fully aware of these issues, and is working closely with us, providing advice and support in relation to these fire safety matters.​​

Work is ongoing to ensure the below is in place:

• Fire alarm upgrade – replacement of the existing fire alarm system with an upgraded wireless fire alarm system which will be installed in all rooms throughout your property, providing new, up-to-date equipment and improved coverage. Due to be completed by Winter 2025. More information to follow in the coming months
• Updated processes and policies – enhanced Southampton City Council response plan for callouts upon alarm activations. A warden or duty surveyor will be on-call 24/7 to respond to all alarm activations and support the fire service in a fire
• Housekeeping audit – to ensure properties are free from waste and identify any residents who may need support due to vulnerabilities or hoarding challenges

The above actions are ensuring that residents remain safe in their homes.

We will continually review the measures in place with Hampshire Fire Service and the Building Safety Regulator.

A Mandatory Occurrence submission has been made to the Building Safety Regulator noting the risk of the defects, advising on existing mitigation and action being taken.

A reminder properties should be kept:

• Clean and tidy and free from anything likely to cause an obstacle, a fire risk, a health and safety hazard or structural damage
• Free from vermin and pests

Residents should:

• Put rubbish and unwanted items, including furniture, in the areas or containers provided or arrange disposal elsewhere. Residents must not leave any rubbish or unwanted items in communal areas not designated for collection
• Not block access to fire exits or firefighting equipment with rubbish or unwanted items
• Not throw anything, or allow anything to fall from windows, balconies, or communal areas

External Wall Insulation (EWI)

The concern is that the frame that attaches the EWI to the walls has not been installed correctly and therefore will affect how long the system lasts. 

Windows

There have been problems with windows leaking. ​

Fire Safety

The EWI is a non-combustible system, however there are issues relating to its installation and the fire stopping ​requirements.

What have we done?

Investigations were undertaken to determine how the frame had been installed.​

What have we found?

The findings of these investigations were that the steel framework for the insulation does not comply with Building Regulations and therefore is defective.​ There are no immediate concerns with the frame or structural integrity of the buildings, but an increased frequency of surveys will be enacted.

What have we done?

We have inspected key parts of the window system to determine the cause of the leaks.

What have we found?

We have found design and installation issues which are affecting the performance including:

• Inadequate seals
• Insufficient drainage
• Poor installation

What have we done?

Intrusive investigations were undertaken to verify the installation and fire safety arrangements.​

What have we found?

The findings of these investigations were that the quality of workmanship fell below an appropriate standard and there is inadequate fire stopping​. Existing and proposed mitigations are in place to ensure continued resident safety​.

The discovery of possible issues became apparent during the fire safety improvement works to the blocks.   

Initially an issue was identified in one location, on one elevation in one of the blocks.   

The council then worked to identify exactly what the range and number of the issues were and how many blocks were affected.   

The council has had to source and appoint specialist experts to look at the fire issues, then the windows (at International Way) and the external wall insulation. They have carried out multiple inspections across all the blocks on multiple floors and in many flats.    

The council has identified that further works are required to address a range of defects.  

The council is continually looking at ways to mitigate any safety risks, via annual inspections and Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs), together with reviews of our policies and processes to ensure the blocks remain compliant and safe, and to improve the comfort of residents.   

Residents can be reassured that there are several fire safety measures in place such as sprinklers, fire doors and monitored smoke detection systems to warn and protect residents should there be a fire in these buildings. 

Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service continues to work closely with the council to advise on and monitor progress. 

The council would like to reassure residents following robust analysis of risk, that their home is safe to live in. This has been achieved through significant investment in fire safety in your home including sprinkler systems, fire stopping measures, and new communal doors and screens. 

The fire alarm works are due to be carried out in Summer 2025 and will last approximately six months. 

The council will work to ensure that its contractors look to minimise any disruption to residents.   

Regarding the fire alarm works, it is envisaged that the works should take no longer than two hours to complete within your property. You will be contacted by the contractor to arrange a convenient time for them to complete the installation.  

They are smoke detectors similar to what is already installed. If they are activated an alarm will sound in your flat only.

The battery of the new fire alarm will last approximately 10 years.

Residents are not required to change the batteries. If there is a fault with the smoke detector or battery, Southampton City Council will change the whole unit.

There are no servicing requirements.

If the alarm is activated unintentionally, all sounders will be operating so you will need to identify which one has been activated. This will be identifiable by a flashing light. Press and hold the silence button and this will stop the sounders.

Regarding the fire alarm works, the works should not take longer than two hours to complete, and you will be able to remain in your home while the work is undertaken. We would recommend that someone is present within your home to assist the contractor with access.  

We would ask that if you have any pets, they are moved to a safe area within your property away from the works area for their safety.

Your flat will be returned to you in the condition it was found. The contractor will be responsible for protecting your belongings and will look to avoid causing any damage to your internal décor but if there is damage this will be made good.

There will no costs recovered from leaseholders.

Any works carried out will be carried out by qualified and certified professionals. In addition, recent changes to regulations will mean more checks by competent contactors before, during and after the works have been completed. 

There will be dedicated Resident Liaison Officers for the duration of the works who you will be able to contact with any queries or concerns.

Residents will be kept informed of any future work. The council will do its best to ensure that any work causes the least possible disruption.