Evacuation alert systems are set to be installed in Southend’s high rise tower blocks.

A review of fire safety for tenants living in Southend’s high rise flats is set to be discussed by the borough’s ruling cabinet next week.

The review, conducted by the council along with South Essex Homes, looks at measures being taken to improve safety for tower block tenants following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.

It also comes in the wake of the death Khabi Abrey, 30, and her unborn baby in 2016 following an arson attack in Grampian flats in Westcliff.

The review includes the introduction of pilot sprinkler system to be installed in Cecil Court and type four fire risk assessments.

The high rise Quantock and Brecon blocks have been selected for these assessments and intrusive investigations will require some residents to move out.

The installation of evacuation alert systems will then be installed across all high-rise residential blocks.

Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, said: “Fire safety is a top priority for this council, and that is why we have budgeted £750,000 for fire safety works each year, along with £400,000 to carry out the sprinkler pilot project, which has a total cost of £450,000, £50,000 of these costs are met through a grant from Essex County Fire and Rescue. I am pleased to see another update on how works are progressing, as having appropriate fire safety measures in place saves lives. It is essential we get this right.”

MPs this week voted down amendments to the Fire Safety Bill following the Grenfell Inquiry recommendations which would have forced flat owners and managers to share fire safety and evacuation details with residents. The MPs include Sir David Amess and James Duddridge.

Sir David, chairman of the all parliamentary fire safety group, said: “The minister explained in some detail why my own amendments, which I had tabled to deal with the safety of electrical equipment, were not appropriate for this Bill.

“He further explained why the opposition new clauses again did not sit well with the Bill. I was accepting his reassurances that future legislation, quite separate to this Bill, would be forthcoming as soon as possible.”