High-rise blocks fail further government fire safety tests

A number of high-rise blocks in Plymouth have failed a second round of government fire safety checks.

The cladding used on the outside of three buildings in Devonport were found to be combustible.

The testing, rolled out at the recommendation of an independent expert safety panel following the Grenfell Tower fire, found a cladding system using aluminium composite material (ACM) panels with a polyethylene filler, and stone wool insulation "does not meet current building regulation guidance".

The towers in Plymouth are one of 111 buildings that have failed the tests nationwide.

Plymouth Community Homes says the failed tests don't alter their plans.

The company's Chief Executive says removing the cladding could be delayed as they have not received advice on what to replace it with.

Removal is scheduled for September and currently predicted to be completed in November.

MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport Luke Pollard says funding for removal of the cladding should be supplied by the Government.