Three high-rise buildings in Worcester, Henwick House, Cripplegate House and Severn House at St Clements Close, have been found to fall short of fire safety standards following a reassessment prompted by concerns over a former contractor.

Constructed in 1969 and managed by housing association Platform Housing Group, the buildings were recently checked as part of a UK-wide review of fire safety assessments carried out by Tri Fire Ltd. The checks revealed issues with the external wall systems.

Tri Fire Ltd is no longer recognised by professional fire safety bodies. Its director, Adam Kiziak, has been under investigation for potential malpractice by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), which suspended him in August 2024. The BBC has contacted the company for comment.

Despite the findings, independent fire safety experts and the Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority have confirmed that the buildings remain safe to live in, thanks to a range of additional temporary safety measures now in place.

Temporary Safety Measures Introduced:

• A 24/7 on-site fire safety support team, staffed by trained personnel for continuous monitoring, reassurance, and emergency readiness.
• Closure of the Sky Lounge at Cripplegate House due to its top-floor location and use by residents with limited mobility.
• Daytime-only charging of mobility scooters to further reduce fire risk during night hours.
• Updated emergency evacuation plans for residents with mobility issues or additional needs.

A Platform Housing Group spokesperson said:

"All affected residents have been informed through direct communication, face-to-face support, and dedicated drop-in sessions on-site.
Platform is also working closely with Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority, local authority partners, and elected representatives to keep all stakeholders informed."

Elizabeth Froude, chief executive of Platform Housing Group, added:

"Safety is and always will be our top priority.
That's why we've reassessed these buildings, and are now putting in place measures to keep our residents safe and supported.
These buildings remain safe to live in, and we're working hand-in-hand with the Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority to ensure our residents have clear information, practical reassurance and a consistent presence on site."

Group Commander Deb Davies from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service stated:

"We're continuing to work closely with Platform Housing Group as they respond proactively to recent fire safety findings.
The additional temporary measures being introduced are precautionary steps that support customer safety."

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