External cladding on three Lewisham tower blocks is being removed after it failed fire safety tests after the Grenfell Tower fire.

Following the devastating fire that killed at least 80 people, tests were run on towers with cladding in Lewisham.

Three towers in the borough failed the government fire safety tests: the two towers in Hatfield Close and Gerrard House directly opposite in New Cross.

Following the publication of the safety test results Lewisham Homes immediately introduced a 24-hour fire patrol service in the buildings.

The removal of cladding started on Wednesday (October 4) and Lewisham Homes will offer financial assistance to residents to cover increased energy bills as a result of the cladding being removed.

Val Jarman, vice-chair of the Hatfield Tenant and Residents Association, said: “I feel a lot safer now I know the cladding is coming off.

“It’s been up for 17 years and we thought it was okay but Lewisham Homes was on the ball straight after what happened at Grenfell.

“They have kept residents in the loop and let us know everything they are doing to make sure we are safe.”

Sir Steve Bullock, Lewisham mayor, said: “This important work will be done quickly and with the minimum of inconvenience to residents.

“While the cladding is removed the 24-hour fire patrol service will remain in place in the three buildings to keep residents safe.”