The 1,700 residents in Hull’s high-rise flats now have increased peace of mind after emergency services were given round-the-clock access to the local authority’s 26 blocks across the city.
Police, fire and ambulance services can now access all entrance lobbies and communal areas in an emergency following concerns expressed by tenants.
Keys to the multi-story living blocks have been handed over by Mark McEgan from Hull City Council’s housing team and Gary Lloyd, a member of the Hull tenants’ multi-storey living group.
The main providers of patient day care transport services have also been given keys.
Mr McEgan said: “Residents’ safety and wellbeing are overriding priorities for the council. Over the past couple of years, we have carried out a number of improvements to our high-rise flats and enabling the emergency services to have immediate access is part of our commitment to giving reassurance to residents.”
Rachel Pippin, who is based at West Ambulance Station, said. “Having these keys means there’s no delay in getting to a patient, such as when a resident may have called an ambulance but can’t reach the intercom to let us in. It will be a great help to us and provide peace of mind for residents.”
An increasing number of residents in high-rise blocks fall into the older age group as they choose to downsize to a smaller, easier-to-manage homes with onsite services including caretaking and cleaning, security entry and, in some blocks, laundry services.
