A housing body has defended its handling of fire safety concerns at a Derry apartment block next to a fire station.
Habinteg Housing Association confirmed it has launched an investigation to establish how “deficiencies” in the fire safety system at Conars Court were not identified before it purchased the properties.
Situated next door to Northland Road fire station, residents of Conars Court were recently told by Habinteg that a fire safety report had made some recommendations for upgrades to the current system.
A tenants’ association expressed concern about the situation in light of the Grenfell tragedy in London.
Chairman Robbie White - who met Habinteg representatives - said it represents 19 of the 40 apartments and members’ concerns were heightened by news that budget cuts had led to changes in staffing levels at Derry’s fire stations.
A Habinteg spokesman said work to rectify issues raised in the fire safety report has been undertaken.
“Independent assessment of the building has not identified a necessity to decant residents from their homes," he said.
"In compliance with best practice standards we commissioned these works to take place and advised residents accordingly. Habinteg representatives have been on site and talking to residents throughout the process."
Another Conars Court resident, Gerry McCartney, also contacted The Irish News to express support for Habinteg's handling of the situation.
