A taskforce has been set up in Bexley to inspect the borough’s tower blocks following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire.

A spokesman for Bexley council confirmed that 36 high-rise buildings in the borough but it is not believed that they have the same cladding associated with Grenfell Tower.

It has been confirmed that 79 people have been confirmed dead following the fire.

A spokesman for Bexley Council said: “We do not own housing stock but we are actively working with the housing associations that own and manage high-rise buildings in the borough.

“They have been carrying out extra fire safety inspections of these buildings. Our task force will be following up any areas of concern that come to light with the housing providers as a matter of priority.

“We are also actively looking into the position in relation to privately-owned high-rise accommodation.”

The associations have also confirmed that they have current fire risk inspection assessments in place for their accommodation.

In 2009, a resident spoke out about the fire safety of residents living in a high rise block in Erith following a fire in Camberwell that killed six people.

Stephen West said at the time that people living in Bexley’s tower blocks have little idea what to do to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire.

The Council also said the safety of residents living in high rise accommodation was being made a ‘top priority’.