ALL blocks of flats over four floors high are now being inspected as part of a safety review after the devastating Grenfell Tower blaze.

South Essex Homes, which managed properties on behalf of Southend Council has also changed its guidelines for the removal of items in communal areas which could be deemed a fire hazard. They are not taken away within 24 hours - compared to the previous target of seven days.

All drying rooms not being used correctly will have rubbish removed - after which the rooms will be bolted and will no longer be available to residents.

Since the West London fire last month, South Essex Homes has visited all of the borough’s 13 tower blocks over ten floors high. The housing association also arranged a review in conjunction with Essex Fire Service.

Reviews of all current risk assessments are now taking place on properties of six floors and over, followed by visits at properties of four floors and over.

New measures also include installing steel secure containers close to the Queensway and Balmoral estates. They will provide temporary space for flytipped rubbish to be stored prior to its removal.

South Essex Homes will be fitting automatic smoke vents to all floors at the three Balmoral tower blocks.

The housing association is also completing Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans - forms for residents who are concerned regarding their mobility if the fire service needs to evacuate a block.

The council has also brought forward £2million to complete the installation of new fire doors and panels at two town centre tower blocks one year earlier than planned.

Council leader John Lamb said: “Fire safety has always been an absolute priority and continues to be in the light of the recent tragic events in London.

“We are reassured, and hope that residents are too, at the vast amount of work that South Essex Homes have carried out, much of it in partnership with the fire service, to carry out further checks and I am pleased to hear about their plans to carry out a door knocking exercise across all tower blocks in the borough.”