I NOTE your report (December 24) on the Tavistock Town Council debate on fire risk in their properties.
There is a need for professional assistance to the council covering this aspect, but the study needs to be broadened, and should include electrical safety and full NEI/EIC certification if this is not already available and maintained.
More importantly is the need to meet the requirements of the insurance companies for inspection and certification procedures, to ensure that full coverage of the buildings, and of liability for public safety is in place.
There is also the council?s responsibility to have an input into the insurance coverage taken out by tenants.
Finally, there is the question of safe practices by tenants in line with Health and Safety requirements; for example, in maintaining clear safety exits, and in handling and storage of combustibles. And there is the responsibility the council has to carry out inspections to ensure that tenants keep within the law on these Health and Safety aspects, which will include the fire risks under debate.
Peter Boyce
17 Tremayne Rise
Tavistock