Cladding "similar" to Grenfell Tower found on Aberdeenshire Council headquarters

Cladding similar to that which caught fire in the Grenfell Tower disaster has been found on parts of Aberdeenshire Council's headquarters.

The local authority says it is for decoration and contains no insulation.

Woodhill House is deemed a low-risk building, has no overnight accommodation and effective fire detection.

Officers are meeting on a weekly basis to carry out a review of safety procedures and an assessment of all buildings owned by Aberdeenshire Council.

This work will verify compliance for fire safety systems, fire risk assessments, as well as a review of external cladding and external wall insulation.

The council says that fire risk assessments will be reviewed and any outstanding actions considered.

Chief Executive Jim Gifford said: “I welcome this response from officers, who have put in place a robust plan of prioritising safety checks, from our highest school buildings and council houses, through to care homes and schools which have fewer storeys and undertaking a detailed review of all current testing procedures.

“The safety of our tenants, customers and staff is paramount and we have robust procedures in place. This is a sensible and measured response to the horrific scenes we witnessed in London.”

“I am satisfied that the teams are taking all necessary steps to check our safety procedures are current and appropriate.

“Safety is never something to be taken for granted but what we saw at Grenfell Tower prompted us to be proactive, review our procedures and provide reassurance to the people of Aberdeenshire that all necessary safety measures were in place and appropriate.”

Councillors will be kept regularly updated on progress

• Aberdeenshire Council
• Grenfell Tower