A SPRINKLER system has been installed in tower blocks in Ellesmere Port as part of safety checks following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The equipment was fitted at Joseph Groome Towers by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Authority chiefs say there is now “100 per cent sprinkler coverage” across all accommodation blocks they are responsible for in the borough.

Cllr Angela Claydon, cabinet member for housing, said: “We have been working closely with housing associations across the borough to provide support and to share learning.

“Multiple inspections have taken place across the entire range of buildings that are owned or managed by the Council.”

The Grenfell Tower blaze on June 14 last year was one of the UK's worst modern disasters, claiming the lives of 72 people.

Just before 1am fire broke out in the kitchen of a fourth floor flat at the 23 storey tower block in North Kensington, West London.

Within minutes, the fire had raced up the flammable cladding on the exterior of the building and then spread to all four sides. By 3am most of the upper floors were well alight.

In the immediate aftermath CWaC established a joint working group with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service which has continued to meet regularly to review actions, take on board advice from the Government and review the findings from the current public inquiry.

In its role as a Landlord to over 5,500 tenants, the council says it “invests significant resources to inspect and maintain properties on an annual basis”.

A spokesman said: “The council has taken a number of steps to ensure the ongoing safety of tenants and residents which has always been a priority.

“Following the Grenfell fire the Council commissioned its Housing Provider, Forhousing, to complete a sprinkler installation programme for Joseph Groome Towers in Ellesmere Port. These works are now complete with the kind cooperation of tenants.

“There is now 100 per cent sprinkler coverage across each block the council has responsibility for. These buildings also have up to date Fire Risk Assessments and are not clad with combustible material.

“Across the rest of the council’s housing stock, as part of its routine management there is a comprehensive approach to gas safety, electrical testing and asbestos sampling in place.”

Cllr Claydon added: “If any tenants have concerns about fire safety or any other matter related to health and safety please contact Forhousing. Details about Fire safety can be found on the ForHousing website.”