PEOPLE living in Worcester's tower blocks have been reassured about the safety of the high-rise buildings after the devastating tower block fire in London.

Cllr Richard Udall, who represents St John's, received a number of concerned calls from people who live in the three tower blocks in St Clement's Close, Worcester yesterday morning.

Their concerns were about the buildings' exterior, after speculation that yesterday's fire in London was able to spread because of recently-installed cladding.

Robin Walker, the MP for Worcester, discussed the situation at an urgent meeting with fire service staff, an architect company, and Fortis Living, yesterday.

The fire service deployed crews to high-rise buildings in Hereford and Worcester to reassure residents after the blaze in Grenfell Tower claimed the lives of at least six people.

Resident Frederick James Eccleston said he was unafraid, despite relying on a stick to walk and living on the 11th floor of Henwick House.

The 74-year-old said: "I'm not concerned. The smoke alarms are so good. 12 months ago I was cooking sausages and they burned a bit and the alarm went off.

"Three fire crews were here in a couple of minutes. I was a bit embarrassed."

The resident also believes that the cladding on the tower block buildings is fireproof.

Fortis Living, the landlord of the tower blocks, claim the cladding is completely different to the exterior of the Grenfell Tower.

The company stated that they use render cladding - instead of panel - and said their fire risk assessments are up to date.

But resident Frederick Philpotts, who lives on the third floor of Cripplegate House, still questioned whether the exterior material was safe.

The 78-year-old said: "Have they put a match to it to see if it will go up?

"People haven't been concerned before but they will be now. It could start at the bottom floor and no one would be able to escape. It's been a wakeup call."

Despite his concerns Mr Philpotts said he was not scared when he heard about the London fire, as he had seen a blaze at Severn House five years ago - which had been contained.

MP Robin Walker described the London incident as 'a tragedy on an enormous scale'.

He said: "I drive past the tower every week on my commute between Worcester and Westminster and my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected."

He added that Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service had assured him that they have plans in place to reduce the risk of a similar incident in the city.

Cllr Richard Udall said: “We need an emergency review of the newly refurbished residential high-rise buildings in St Clement's Close."

Steve Vizard, assistant director of investment and assets at Fortis Living, said the buildings' fire risk assessments were last completed in April 2017.

Assessments are conducted annually and every Worcester fire crew carries out yearly drills at the tower.

Emergency plans relating to the high-rise buildings are reviewed at least twice a year and there are firebreaks on every floor.

There is a fully integrated fire alarm system in the blocks, and no gas supplies or installations at the site.