Welsh tower block tests: 'It's taking too long'

It's taken authorities in Wales almost three weeks to discover that four blocks in Swansea have now failed fire safety tests.

The Deputy Leader of the Swansea Council has told ITV Cymru Wales it has taken 'too long' for the Welsh Government to give direction on what steps to take next.

ITV Cymru Wales can also reveal that three high rises in Newport are also being tested.

Communities Secretary, Carl Sargeant, today made a statement after the news that cladding on the four Swansea tower blocks had failed safety checks.

He said he would bring together a group to provide advice on the lessons learned from Grenfell and how we implement that advice.

This group will be include Steve Thomas, the Chief Executive of the Welsh Local Government Association, Huw Jakeway, Chief Fire Officer, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Stuart Ropke, Chief Executive, Community Housing Cymru.

The group will meet for the first time this week

But Swansea Council says it's seeking urgent clarification on what the next steps should be.

The Council has reassured tenants of Clyne Court in Sketty and Jeffreys Court in Penlan that extra safety measures have been taken.

They say that despite the outcome of the tests there is no increased risk.

On Sunday First Minister Carwyn Jones says the Welsh Government is working closely with Swansea County Council to offer reassurance to residents of tower blocks where cladding has failed fire safety tests.