Home improvements: fire safety

Latest developments

Each issue, we shine a light on the new homes being built in the borough. This time, new homes on the oldest estate: Wedmore

Wedmore, near Archway, was the first Islington council estate, constructed in 1904 between the higher land of Highgate and Highbury, in the ‘hollow way’, or Upper Holloway! The original homes had no kitchen or baths. Part of the estate was damaged in WW2. When the homes were re-built, they were made into fewer, larger homes with kitchens, bathrooms and gas appliances to replace coal fires. Now, 19 additional spacious council homes – a mix of flats

Find out how the council is improving fire safety on estates – and how you can help keep you and your neighbours safe

What the council is doing

We regularly inspect communal areas, doors and alarm systems on estates. Every estate property’s front door will be checked annually from now on, to make sure it’s fire safe. There is also a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) for each block to ensure that fire safety measures are in good working order and escape routes are obvious and free of obstruction.

In addition, the council recently upgraded smoke and heat alarm systems in 7,500 of the council’s street properties, fitted 450 new fire doors at St Luke’s Estate, and is upgrading equipment and systems at Hathersage Court.

What you can do

Make sure you, other members of your household and your neighbours know what to do if there’s a fire – check your communal area to find the correct advice.

Keep communal areas clear and check that your smoke and fire alarms work. There has been an increase in house fires caused by candles, as well as scooter and e-bike batteries catching fire while charging – don’t leave them unattended and unplug the charger when you’re finished.

If you are concerned about fire safety in your home, request a home fire safety visit: london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home and houses – are ready for residents to move into. There is lift access to all flats and a wheelchair-accessible home. Improvements have also been made across the estate, with a cycle park, new planters and lighting, and a refurbished play area.

Home building has come a long way – but the council’s commitment to providing safe, secure and genuinely affordable homes remains the same.

For more information about developments, visit: islington. gov.uk/HousingDevelopment