The Borough Council is asking tenants in multi-storey blocks, at Rounds Gardens and Biart Place, to change how they evacuate their blocks in the event of a fire or other emergency.

New information provided as a result of intrusive survey works carried out last year now means that the council cannot be sure that the building will operate as expected in the event of a fire or explosion.

Cllr. Dale Keeling, Borough Councillor for Eastlands Ward in-which Biart Place is located said, “The Borough Council has consulted with the fire service and building experts and so has introduced a new evacuation policy to keep residents safe in an event of an emergency.” 

The council’s new fire evacuation procedures were hand delivered to all residents effected, officers will visit all residents to make sure that they understand what to do should the alarm sound.

A statement from Rugby Borough Council on its website says, “The multi-storey blocks have stood safely since they were built around fifty years ago, and all previous fires within the blocks have been contained as designed. However, having removed some of the concrete within some of the flats, we cannot be completely sure that the blocks were built as designed and will perform as we expect in the event of a fire or explosion. The risk of fire or explosion is substantially reduced because there is no gas supply, and portable gas appliances are banned under the tenancy agreement. However, under the circumstances it is absolutely right to prioritise residents’ safety and we are asking all residents to evacuate their block immediately, in a calm and safe manner, should they hear the alarm.”

Cllr. Keeling said, "All local councillors were updated on the situation in-case concerned residents got in touch.  I would like to thank council officers who moved with speed and efficiency on this matter."  The results of the surveys will be incorporated into a report to councillors that will be considered at a meeting of the council to be held on 24 April. The report will outline options for potential refurbishment or redevelopment of the sites. The background reports will be published after the meeting.