COUNCIL housing bosses say they are committed to upholding fire safety standards after a horrific blaze at a high rise block of flats.

More than 70 people are either dead or missing presumed dead after the fire at public housing building Grenfell Tower in North London last week.

In a joint statement, a spokesman for Colchester Council and Colchester Borough Homes confirmed they had no high rise flats nor any properties with cladding similar to the tower.

He said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the fire at Grenfell Tower, and we extend our sympathies to all of those affected by this terrible tragedy.

"We recognise tenants will be naturally concerned to know their safety is a major priority and that we are committed to upholding the highest safety standards across all of Colchester Council’s properties.

"We can confirm we have no high rise properties like Grenfell Tower in our housing stock.

"It is too early at this stage in the fire brigade’s investigation to establish the cause of the Grenfell Tower blaze and how the fire was able to spread so quickly.

"There has been a focus on the role of external cladding in the spread of the fire and we can confirm that we have no homes clad in this way.

"We will of course take nothing for granted and are already going above and beyond the Government’s latest guidance regarding safety checks on our properties.

"We will also act upon any further safety recommendations which follow the outcome of the fire investigation and future Public Inquiry.

"Colchester Council and Colchester Borough Homes would like to reassure all of our tenants, and the public,our safety officers undertake rigorous checks of our properties as part of a robust safety inspection regime."

Checks include testing of smoke detectors - which are also fitted in common areas of sheltered accommodation - emergency lighting in stairwells and regular inspections.

Residents are also being urged to check smoke alarms monthly, keep escape routes clear, not to smoke in common areas and dispose of cigarettes properly.

Anyone with concerns is asked to email info@cbhomes.org.uk.