ONLY a “very small number” of council-owned buildings contain combustible cladding, civic chiefs say.

Following the devastating disaster at Grenfell Tower in London, which claimed the lives of at least 50 people, a detailed assessments of cladding materials used in council buildings was undertaken by Hampshire County Council.

Now the council has confirmed that of the 9,000 buildings it owns, including 526 school sites, a small number of buildings have aluminium composite material (ACM). These buildings are predominantly brick-built and the material has been typically used for rain screening.

However, the council has identified that the Dickinson Centre, in the grounds of Park Community School in Havant, is fully cladded with ACM.

Nevertheless, the council in conjunction with advice from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, is not proposing to take any immediate steps as it is a single-storey building with straight forward evacuation procedures. It is also not used by the school for children’s education.

Council leader Roy Perry said: “In light of the tragic events of Grenfell Tower, our priority has been to immediately assess any buildings of potential risk.

“As we have previously confirmed, the county council does not have any high-rise residential buildings. Similarly, of our five school buildings that are four-storeys or higher, no ACM cladding has been used.

“Therefore, on this basis, I am advised that none of our buildings present any concerns to safety. I am satisfied with the technical advice I have received to date, particularly with regard to the Dickinson Centre.

“We will of course, continue to watch national developments closely – working closely with our partners in Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

“I want to continue to make the public aware of our on-going reviews and any actions we may be required to take.”