SCAFFOLDING “tunnels” and fencing has been erected around high rise blocks of flats in Grays after an inspection revealed that work needs to be done to improve cladding.
Residents of the blocks - six in south Grays and three in Blackshots - have been kept informed of the situation and over recent months scaffolding "tunnels" have been built around the entrances of the blocks and fencing erected to reduce any risk of the panels falling.
No panels have fallen, but Thurrock Council's Cabinet was told last night, that initial investigations have suggested that several panels had been "inadequately fixed".
There were some design issues with the original installation and "there was evidence of poor workmanship".
Speaking after the meeting, portfolio holder for Housing, Cllr Tune Ojetola, said: "Once the problems were identified we had to look closely at each block.
"The original work was carried out around 12 years ago and the council is looking at ways of getting some of its money back from the contractor as they were supposed to last at least 20 years."
He added: "We have taken safety precautions and now we are going out to tender to get the problem fixed at an estimated cost of around £3 million.
"We have been keeping tenants and leaseholders informed of what is happening.
"The council is legally obliged to bill leaseholders for part of the cost and we are looking at various ways this can be eased.
Of course if we manage to get some of the money back from the original contract, that will cut the bill to leaseholders too."
Cabinet heard that each panel on each block will have to be removed to see whether it is properly fixed to rails; the adequacy of the rails will be checked; and, where panels are found to be inadequately fixed, additional work will be carried out.
Members were told that officers had looked at completely replacing the cladding, but the £6 million cost would not provide value for money especially as the panels themselves can be retained.
