A “COMMITMENT” from Southampton City Council to improve fire safety standards in city high-rise blocks has been shortlisted for an award.

The authority has been put forward for the ‘Best customer impact’ category of the National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF) awards.

The council made the commitment to improve fire safety in 2016 as part of a £25 million, three-year safety project, but reiterated and added additional measures following the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017.

This included more than 2,000 new fire door, sprinkler systems within each flat, improved signage, and fire stopping measures between flats. This will be installed across 20 council-owned blocks in the city.

Councillor Satvir Kaur, homes chief, said: “Everyone should be able to feel safe in their homes, and for Southampton City Council this has been our top priority for our tenants. Being shortlisted for the NHMF awards is amazing national recognition and a great accolade to the hard work and partnership working that has enabled us to keep thousands of Southampton families and individuals safe from the dangers of fire.”

Bob Ferguson, business development manager at property maintenance and refurbishment firm CLC Group Limited, added: “CLC are pleased to be working with Southampton City Council to implement these improvements across the city.

“Being shortlisted for this award is a fantastic achievement, as customer safety is a value we both share. The works are already providing a much safer living environment, and it’s great to be acknowledged for the positive impact the improvements are having on residents.”