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Grenfell Tower fire: council admits some residents may be rehoused outside area – latest Grenfell Tower fire: protesters enter Kensington town hall – latest
(35 minutes later)
4.26pm BST
16:26
Protesters entering Kensington town hall
Damien Gayle
Over at Kensington town hall, protesters have entered the building and are in the lobby chanting: “We want justice.”
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The Sky News reporter Joe Tidy is broadcasting live from a protest that began at Grenfell Tower and is headed towards Kensington town hall, where another protest is already taking place (see below). People are chanting: “We want answers. We want justice.”
Tidy says it appears to be a spontaneous protest.
Protest. #GrenfellTower https://t.co/BqoAXzsaax
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Damien Gayle
There is a palpable anger outside Kensington and Chelsea town hall. News cameras are focused on Lily Allen, but among local people there is discomfort with the authorities and the media.
“Why are the media lying for Theresa May?” one local women asked. “It’s disgusting.”
Another woman said:
We’re angry, very upset. We feel we’re on our own. The firemen, they say they are angry. The only people that have been honest to us are the firemen.
Crowds are continuing to gather and a speaker called on demonstrators to remain in place until the council leaders make a statement pledging an independent investigation and rehousing for all those affected.
#GlenfellTower demonstrators gathered outside Kensington town hall pic.twitter.com/77GAjUzbyN
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Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
A former British army officer who is leading the volunteer effort at Notting Hill Methodist church said the devastation caused by the fire was comparable to that he had witnessed at war.A former British army officer who is leading the volunteer effort at Notting Hill Methodist church said the devastation caused by the fire was comparable to that he had witnessed at war.
Ian Pilcher, a former captain who served with the King’s Regiment in Northern Ireland, the Balkans and north Africa, has been helping with logistics at the church since Wednesday.Ian Pilcher, a former captain who served with the King’s Regiment in Northern Ireland, the Balkans and north Africa, has been helping with logistics at the church since Wednesday.
Pilcher, 50, now a private security consultant, said the church had received a couple of metric tonnes of food, drink and toiletries, as well as seven Luton vans full of clothing. From predominantly walk-in donations, the church had also received televisions, mobile phones and even vehicles, he said.Pilcher, 50, now a private security consultant, said the church had received a couple of metric tonnes of food, drink and toiletries, as well as seven Luton vans full of clothing. From predominantly walk-in donations, the church had also received televisions, mobile phones and even vehicles, he said.
Pilcher woke to the noise of “siren after siren after siren” in the early hours of Wednesday and witnessed the blaze. He said:Pilcher woke to the noise of “siren after siren after siren” in the early hours of Wednesday and witnessed the blaze. He said:
In many ways it’s like being in a war because of the number of innocent people. In places like Bosnia there were many innocent people and there was a clear enemy. Here, nobody expected to die in their beds because there’s a fire.In many ways it’s like being in a war because of the number of innocent people. In places like Bosnia there were many innocent people and there was a clear enemy. Here, nobody expected to die in their beds because there’s a fire.
I left the army in expectation of a peaceful life. Nobody expects this sort of thing to happen so close to home.I left the army in expectation of a peaceful life. Nobody expects this sort of thing to happen so close to home.
Pilcher said volunteers had arrived from across London and outside the capital to help.Pilcher said volunteers had arrived from across London and outside the capital to help.
Frmr British army captain Ian Pilcher, volunteering at Notting Hill Methodist church, says fire scenes comparable to war. pic.twitter.com/kI1l8qITvaFrmr British army captain Ian Pilcher, volunteering at Notting Hill Methodist church, says fire scenes comparable to war. pic.twitter.com/kI1l8qITva
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Sarah MarshSarah Marsh
The Guardian has heard that Corpus Christi College in Oxford is no longer taking donations. The Central Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Kensington and Chelsea is also now closed for donations. However, people still keen to give can send items to the community centre on 57 Acklam Road, W10 5YS. Many centres have now been overwhelmed with donations, so it’s advisable to call up first before sending items down. It also may be better to offer support in other ways, for example as a volunteer, helping to sort through donations, or by giving money to the British Red Cross fund.The Guardian has heard that Corpus Christi College in Oxford is no longer taking donations. The Central Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Kensington and Chelsea is also now closed for donations. However, people still keen to give can send items to the community centre on 57 Acklam Road, W10 5YS. Many centres have now been overwhelmed with donations, so it’s advisable to call up first before sending items down. It also may be better to offer support in other ways, for example as a volunteer, helping to sort through donations, or by giving money to the British Red Cross fund.
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Seraphima Kennedy, who worked for the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) between 2007 and early 2016, told BBC Radio 4’s the World at One that the organisation was “massively overstretched”.Seraphima Kennedy, who worked for the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) between 2007 and early 2016, told BBC Radio 4’s the World at One that the organisation was “massively overstretched”.
The TMO, like lots of other housing providers in London and across the country was functioning in a severely squeezed environment. They were massively overstretched.The TMO, like lots of other housing providers in London and across the country was functioning in a severely squeezed environment. They were massively overstretched.
She added:She added:
This cuts right to the heart of how the state views the poorest people in society. We have sprinklers in society; we don’t have them in high rise council blocks. Because they are too expensive? Because it would be disruptive? I mean it really does make you ask questions about how the state values lives and which lives it values.This cuts right to the heart of how the state views the poorest people in society. We have sprinklers in society; we don’t have them in high rise council blocks. Because they are too expensive? Because it would be disruptive? I mean it really does make you ask questions about how the state values lives and which lives it values.
Kennedy has written this for the Guardian.Kennedy has written this for the Guardian.
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What we know so farWhat we know so far
Here’s a summary of where things currently stand:Here’s a summary of where things currently stand:
The police have confirmed that at least 30 people have been killed in the Grenfell Tower fire amid continuing anger at the length of time being taken to identify the victims. A Met police commander said the death toll was likely to rise. The Met is supporting 36 families.The police have confirmed that at least 30 people have been killed in the Grenfell Tower fire amid continuing anger at the length of time being taken to identify the victims. A Met police commander said the death toll was likely to rise. The Met is supporting 36 families.
More than 70 people remain unaccounted for according to residents, posters and social media appeals. The Met cannot confirm the number of missing people.More than 70 people remain unaccounted for according to residents, posters and social media appeals. The Met cannot confirm the number of missing people.
NHS England said 24 people were still being treated in hospitals across London, of whom 12 remain in critical care. One of 30 known victims died in hospital.NHS England said 24 people were still being treated in hospitals across London, of whom 12 remain in critical care. One of 30 known victims died in hospital.
The artist Khadija Saye has been named as one of the victims, according to a family friend, the Labour MP David Lammy. The Syrian engineering student Mohammed Alhajali, 24, was the first victim to be identified. He died in the blaze, while his older brother Omar, 25, was taken to hospital after escaping.The artist Khadija Saye has been named as one of the victims, according to a family friend, the Labour MP David Lammy. The Syrian engineering student Mohammed Alhajali, 24, was the first victim to be identified. He died in the blaze, while his older brother Omar, 25, was taken to hospital after escaping.
Theresa May has visited some of the victims of the fire at a private meeting at Kensington and Chelsea hospital, after being widely criticised on Thursday for leaving the scene of the fire without meeting residents.Theresa May has visited some of the victims of the fire at a private meeting at Kensington and Chelsea hospital, after being widely criticised on Thursday for leaving the scene of the fire without meeting residents.
The level of anger on the streets around the tower has been rising as desperate people with missing loved ones plead for more help from the authorities. The Commons leader, Andrea Leadsom, was heckled as she visited the scene.The level of anger on the streets around the tower has been rising as desperate people with missing loved ones plead for more help from the authorities. The Commons leader, Andrea Leadsom, was heckled as she visited the scene.
Gavin Barwell, who was housing minister before losing his seat in last week’s general election and is now the prime minister’s chief of staff, has ducked questions about his failure to act on warnings about fire safety in the wake of the Lakanal House fire in 2009. Barwell refused to answer Sky News questions over why he delayed a review into tower block fire safety.Gavin Barwell, who was housing minister before losing his seat in last week’s general election and is now the prime minister’s chief of staff, has ducked questions about his failure to act on warnings about fire safety in the wake of the Lakanal House fire in 2009. Barwell refused to answer Sky News questions over why he delayed a review into tower block fire safety.
The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has accused Labour of “outrageous politicking” over the fire. Writing on Facebook he said: “There has sadly been some political game playing about the terrible fire in London.”The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has accused Labour of “outrageous politicking” over the fire. Writing on Facebook he said: “There has sadly been some political game playing about the terrible fire in London.”
The Queen and the Duke of Cambridge visited community leaders, volunteers and some of the survivors at Westway sports centre. The visit raised questions about why Downing Street cited security concerns for May’s failure to meet residents.The Queen and the Duke of Cambridge visited community leaders, volunteers and some of the survivors at Westway sports centre. The visit raised questions about why Downing Street cited security concerns for May’s failure to meet residents.
Concern is growing about whether residents evacuated from the area will be rehoused locally, as the government has pledged. Kensington and Chelsea council said survivors may have to be rehoused in other council areas, but later claimed this statement was wrong.Concern is growing about whether residents evacuated from the area will be rehoused locally, as the government has pledged. Kensington and Chelsea council said survivors may have to be rehoused in other council areas, but later claimed this statement was wrong.
A vigil for the victims is being planned this evening around Grenfell Tower. A Justice for Grenfell! protest will also take place outside the Department for Communities and Local Government in Marsham Street.A vigil for the victims is being planned this evening around Grenfell Tower. A Justice for Grenfell! protest will also take place outside the Department for Communities and Local Government in Marsham Street.
Scotland Yard have launched a criminal investigation into the fire after it emerged that cladding panels similar to those likely to have been used on the 24-storey building have been widely prohibited on tall buildings in the US since 2012.Scotland Yard have launched a criminal investigation into the fire after it emerged that cladding panels similar to those likely to have been used on the 24-storey building have been widely prohibited on tall buildings in the US since 2012.
Material used in the cladding that covered Grenfell Tower was the cheaper, more flammable version of the two available options, an investigation of the supply chain has confirmed. Omnis Exteriors manufactured the aluminium composite material (ACM) used in the cladding, a director, John Cowley, told the Guardian.Material used in the cladding that covered Grenfell Tower was the cheaper, more flammable version of the two available options, an investigation of the supply chain has confirmed. Omnis Exteriors manufactured the aluminium composite material (ACM) used in the cladding, a director, John Cowley, told the Guardian.
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Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
Authorities already under fire for their insensitivity have rubbed salt into the wounds of residents near Grenfell Tower by hand-delivering them letters today about antisocial behaviour (the warning relates to ball games played in the courtyard), ITV’s Paul Brand tweets. The letter, from the tower’s management company KCTMO, is dated Wednesday, the day of the fire.Authorities already under fire for their insensitivity have rubbed salt into the wounds of residents near Grenfell Tower by hand-delivering them letters today about antisocial behaviour (the warning relates to ball games played in the courtyard), ITV’s Paul Brand tweets. The letter, from the tower’s management company KCTMO, is dated Wednesday, the day of the fire.
Incredibly, people in flats opposite #Grenfell today received letter warning them about anti-social behaviour, threatening legal action. pic.twitter.com/w8SQepjpOBIncredibly, people in flats opposite #Grenfell today received letter warning them about anti-social behaviour, threatening legal action. pic.twitter.com/w8SQepjpOB
Residents here are shaking with rage. One woman ran up to me screaming through gritted teeth. Incredibly it was hand-delivered by TMO.Residents here are shaking with rage. One woman ran up to me screaming through gritted teeth. Incredibly it was hand-delivered by TMO.
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Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
Footage of a massive fire at an empty block in Frankfurt in 2012 that was clad in polystyrene, or styrofoam, featured in a German TV documentary.Footage of a massive fire at an empty block in Frankfurt in 2012 that was clad in polystyrene, or styrofoam, featured in a German TV documentary.
Frankfurt’s fire director Reinhard Ries is on camera saying: “The fire took hold extremely quickly, reaching incredible temperatures immediately.”Frankfurt’s fire director Reinhard Ries is on camera saying: “The fire took hold extremely quickly, reaching incredible temperatures immediately.”
The styrofoam soon turned into a “liquid, burning sea”, he says. “Everything within 300 seconds had developed into a huge fireball as if thousands of litres of petrol had been set alight.”The styrofoam soon turned into a “liquid, burning sea”, he says. “Everything within 300 seconds had developed into a huge fireball as if thousands of litres of petrol had been set alight.”
The incident led to Frankfurt fire services putting out a nationwide appeal to firefighters to log similar fires – 100 were logged up until 2017 – and Ries and his department started lobbying German politicians to rethink cladding whose main purpose was to increase insulation and energy efficiency.The incident led to Frankfurt fire services putting out a nationwide appeal to firefighters to log similar fires – 100 were logged up until 2017 – and Ries and his department started lobbying German politicians to rethink cladding whose main purpose was to increase insulation and energy efficiency.
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Council to clarify rehousing statementCouncil to clarify rehousing statement
Kensington and Chelsea council is rowing back on its statement that it may not be able to house all the surviving victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in the local area.Kensington and Chelsea council is rowing back on its statement that it may not be able to house all the surviving victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in the local area.
A spokesman said its statement sent out at 1.46pm was “wrong”.A spokesman said its statement sent out at 1.46pm was “wrong”.
It said:It said:
While we will try do our utmost to ensure those affected remain in or near the borough, given the number of households involved, it is possible the council will have to explore housing options that may become available in other parts of the capital.While we will try do our utmost to ensure those affected remain in or near the borough, given the number of households involved, it is possible the council will have to explore housing options that may become available in other parts of the capital.
The housing minister Alok Sharma told MPs on Thursday that the government guaranteed “that every single family” from the Tower would be rehoused in the local area.The housing minister Alok Sharma told MPs on Thursday that the government guaranteed “that every single family” from the Tower would be rehoused in the local area.
A council spokesman said: “Our understanding has changed. Once our housing people have looked at this in greater detail we will be issuing a new statement.”A council spokesman said: “Our understanding has changed. Once our housing people have looked at this in greater detail we will be issuing a new statement.”
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Mark SweneyMark Sweney
King’s College hospital is to lodge a complaint with the press watchdog over a journalist who allegedly impersonated a friend of a victim of the Grenfell Tower fire in order to get an interview with him.King’s College hospital is to lodge a complaint with the press watchdog over a journalist who allegedly impersonated a friend of a victim of the Grenfell Tower fire in order to get an interview with him.
The hospital is to file a complaint with the Independent Press Standards Organisation about the behaviour of the Sun reporter. It has also written to News UK, the publisher of the Sun, Times and Sunday Times, about the incident.The hospital is to file a complaint with the Independent Press Standards Organisation about the behaviour of the Sun reporter. It has also written to News UK, the publisher of the Sun, Times and Sunday Times, about the incident.
“Following an incident at King’s College hospital, we have formally written to the Sun and will be informing the Independent Press Standards Organisation,” said a spokeswoman for King’s College hospital NHS foundation trust. “We are unable to comment on the specifics until our complaint has been investigated.”“Following an incident at King’s College hospital, we have formally written to the Sun and will be informing the Independent Press Standards Organisation,” said a spokeswoman for King’s College hospital NHS foundation trust. “We are unable to comment on the specifics until our complaint has been investigated.”
It is understood that the Sun was trying to get an interview with Mario Gomes, a resident on the 21st floor who has been hailed as a hero after racing back into the building to find his 12-year-old daughter.It is understood that the Sun was trying to get an interview with Mario Gomes, a resident on the 21st floor who has been hailed as a hero after racing back into the building to find his 12-year-old daughter.
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Some Grenfell residents to be rehoused outside the areaSome Grenfell residents to be rehoused outside the area
People who have lost their homes in the Grenfell Tower fire may be rehoused in other areas of London despite commitments by the government to house them locally.People who have lost their homes in the Grenfell Tower fire may be rehoused in other areas of London despite commitments by the government to house them locally.
Kensington and Chelsea council said 110 households had been given temporary accommodation by Friday morning, and added that it was working to find more permanent homes.Kensington and Chelsea council said 110 households had been given temporary accommodation by Friday morning, and added that it was working to find more permanent homes.
But the authority’s latest statement said: “While we will try do our utmost to ensure those affected remain in or near the borough, given the number of households involved, it is possible the council will have to explore housing options that may become available in other parts of the capital.”But the authority’s latest statement said: “While we will try do our utmost to ensure those affected remain in or near the borough, given the number of households involved, it is possible the council will have to explore housing options that may become available in other parts of the capital.”
The households include people living in nearby blocks which have been evacuated because of the disaster.The households include people living in nearby blocks which have been evacuated because of the disaster.
The housing minister Alok Sharma told MPs on Thursday that the government guaranteed “that every single family” from the tower would be rehoused in the local area.The housing minister Alok Sharma told MPs on Thursday that the government guaranteed “that every single family” from the tower would be rehoused in the local area.
Theresa May gave a vaguer commitment. On Thursday she said: “I want to reassure the residents of Grenfell Tower – all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers – that the government will make every effort to make sure that they are rehoused in London and as close as possible to home.”Theresa May gave a vaguer commitment. On Thursday she said: “I want to reassure the residents of Grenfell Tower – all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers – that the government will make every effort to make sure that they are rehoused in London and as close as possible to home.”
In his letter to the prime minister, the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, urged May to “confirm as a matter of urgency that everyone from Grenfell Tower and other evacuated properties will be rehoused locally immediately”. (see earlier)In his letter to the prime minister, the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, urged May to “confirm as a matter of urgency that everyone from Grenfell Tower and other evacuated properties will be rehoused locally immediately”. (see earlier)
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Boris Johnson accuses Labour of 'outrageous politicking' over fireBoris Johnson accuses Labour of 'outrageous politicking' over fire
Martin BelamMartin Belam
Boris Johnson has posted on Facebook to accuse Labour of “outrageous politicking” over the Grenfell Tower fire.Boris Johnson has posted on Facebook to accuse Labour of “outrageous politicking” over the Grenfell Tower fire.
After lamenting that “there has sadly been some political game playing about the terrible fire in London,” the former mayor of London goes on to criticise his successor Sadiq Khan and the Labour party. Johnson defends his record on fire safety during his time as mayor, stating that the number of fires and number of fire-related deaths fell year-on-year during his tenure.After lamenting that “there has sadly been some political game playing about the terrible fire in London,” the former mayor of London goes on to criticise his successor Sadiq Khan and the Labour party. Johnson defends his record on fire safety during his time as mayor, stating that the number of fires and number of fire-related deaths fell year-on-year during his tenure.
Johnson is correct about fire safety improving during his terms as mayor. However, as this chart from the London fire brigade shows, that has to be seen in the context of a pre-existing trend downwards that had started well before Johnson assumed office in 2008.Johnson is correct about fire safety improving during his terms as mayor. However, as this chart from the London fire brigade shows, that has to be seen in the context of a pre-existing trend downwards that had started well before Johnson assumed office in 2008.
Johnson’s comments haven’t gone down entirely well on the social network. One of the comments prominently displayed under the foreign secretary’s post says:Johnson’s comments haven’t gone down entirely well on the social network. One of the comments prominently displayed under the foreign secretary’s post says:
Gosh, Boris. So your opinion is more valid than the hundreds of fire fighters that are in direct opposition to your spin and lies? Man up for once and take it on the chin.Gosh, Boris. So your opinion is more valid than the hundreds of fire fighters that are in direct opposition to your spin and lies? Man up for once and take it on the chin.
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Holly WattHolly Watt
The lead architect for Grenfell Tower was Nigel Whitbread, who worked for Clifford Wearden and Associates. Whitbread is believed to live in Kensington, London, within half a mile of Grenfell Tower.The lead architect for Grenfell Tower was Nigel Whitbread, who worked for Clifford Wearden and Associates. Whitbread is believed to live in Kensington, London, within half a mile of Grenfell Tower.
The building began in 1972 and finished in 1974. It was renovated last year, with external cladding added to the design. Serious questions have been raised about the new cladding.The building began in 1972 and finished in 1974. It was renovated last year, with external cladding added to the design. Serious questions have been raised about the new cladding.
Last year, the artist Constantine Gras described meeting Whitbread and escorting him on a tour around the estate. On the tour, Whitbread met residents and said it was “delightful to hear that residents thought flat arrangements worked well”.Last year, the artist Constantine Gras described meeting Whitbread and escorting him on a tour around the estate. On the tour, Whitbread met residents and said it was “delightful to hear that residents thought flat arrangements worked well”.
Whitbread wrote an article about the development, saying it was the “first and only tower block I designed”.Whitbread wrote an article about the development, saying it was the “first and only tower block I designed”.
In his article for Gras’s blog, Whitbread said that the Grenfell design had been influenced by the partial collapse of Ronan Point in Newham, east London, and was structured to stand for over a century.In his article for Gras’s blog, Whitbread said that the Grenfell design had been influenced by the partial collapse of Ronan Point in Newham, east London, and was structured to stand for over a century.
Whitbread said: “Ronan Point, the tower that partially collapsed in 1968, had been built like a pack of cards. Grenfell tower was a totally different form of construction and from what I can see could last another 100 years.”Whitbread said: “Ronan Point, the tower that partially collapsed in 1968, had been built like a pack of cards. Grenfell tower was a totally different form of construction and from what I can see could last another 100 years.”
Whitbread, 78, said the Grenfell building was unusual in that it was designed so that “you could take away all those internal partitions and open it up if that’s what you wanted to do in the future”.Whitbread, 78, said the Grenfell building was unusual in that it was designed so that “you could take away all those internal partitions and open it up if that’s what you wanted to do in the future”.
Whitbread said he went for an unusual internal apartment layout.Whitbread said he went for an unusual internal apartment layout.
“I also don’t know of any other council built tower block in London or anywhere else in England that also has the central core and six flats per floor rather than four flats which is typically done on the London county council or Greater London council plans.”“I also don’t know of any other council built tower block in London or anywhere else in England that also has the central core and six flats per floor rather than four flats which is typically done on the London county council or Greater London council plans.”
Whitbread and his team decided that “putting bricks one on top of the other for 20 storeys was a crazy thing to do”.Whitbread and his team decided that “putting bricks one on top of the other for 20 storeys was a crazy thing to do”.
Instead, we “used insulated pre-cast concrete beams as external walls, lifted up and put into place with cranes and they were so much more quicker”.Instead, we “used insulated pre-cast concrete beams as external walls, lifted up and put into place with cranes and they were so much more quicker”.
Discussing last year’s renovations before the disaster, Whitbread said the cladding had improved the insulation, but changed the building’s appearance. “We lost some of this verticality in the recent recladding but it’s not the end of the world. And the building is now better insulated as we had different standards then.”Discussing last year’s renovations before the disaster, Whitbread said the cladding had improved the insulation, but changed the building’s appearance. “We lost some of this verticality in the recent recladding but it’s not the end of the world. And the building is now better insulated as we had different standards then.”
Whitbread also said he was concerned about questions over the heating. He said: “I’m very much against knocking things down unnecessarily. I had heard that there had been problems a few years ago with the heating and it was no good and talk of the whole block having to come down. And I thought, if my heating goes wrong, I don’t want to pull my house down.”Whitbread also said he was concerned about questions over the heating. He said: “I’m very much against knocking things down unnecessarily. I had heard that there had been problems a few years ago with the heating and it was no good and talk of the whole block having to come down. And I thought, if my heating goes wrong, I don’t want to pull my house down.”
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