Cheltenham’s messages of support to Grenfell Tower fire victims

Cllr Pete Jeffries, the council’s cabinet member for housing, has also written to his equivalent councillor in the borough to express his condolences and to offer emergency accommodation to any victims who may have links to Cheltenham.

Following this week’s tragedy, residents can get advice on how to best protect their families and homes from risk of fire on Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Services’ (GFRS) website. This includes checking smoke alarms, clearing escape routes and ensuring window and door keys are kept in an accessible place should they be needed in a hurry.

Council tenants can be reassured that Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH), who manage the council’s housing stock, has a robust approach to managing fire safety.
Whilst all of its residential accommodation is risk assessed, CBH has again this week sought confirmation from GFRS that its housing and guidance to tenants remains robust. Further reviews of fire safety management are being carried out as a priority.

Cllr Sudbury, mayor of Cheltenham, says: “I wanted to write on behalf of the council and Cheltenham’s residents to share our profound shock and sadness following the fire at Grenfell Tower.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected, those who have lost their lives, their loved ones, those injured and displaced by the fire. We also recognise the bravery and skill of the emergency services that went in to help.”

Anyone wishing to make donations is advised to check that they give to a registered charity in order to best support those affected, and it’s important to check what support is needed - whether that is money, time or other supplies.

People can search the charity register online.