Even hours before, Camden Council leader Georgia Gould decided to evacuate Friday night four blocks in north London’s Chalcots Estate after experts found the housing towers “not safe for people to sleep in overnight.” “Gas insulation and door stops ” combined with the presence of flammable cladding encasing the buildings was the exact motivation of decision in this case targeting 800 apartments.
Georgia Gould, leader of Camden Council
Residents would be out of their homes for three to four weeks while the council completes fire-safety upgrades. Fire engines were stationed near the buildings. People were guided to emergency centers, to nearby gyms and even hotels and a chaotic situation emerged. Some refused however to leave their apartments for the instant. “It’s unbelievable”, many of them said. “I know some residents are angry and upset, but I want to be very clear that Camden Council acted to protect them,” Gould addressed the situation in a statement. Prime Minister, Theresa May, said her “thoughts are with residents being evacuated in Camden” and offered “every support.” “Fear” is a single word which best describes the burden of responsibility of the authorities. The government also urged building owners, public and private, to submit samples of their cladding material for testing.
