A PRIVATE block of flats which failed two government safety tests in the light of the Grenfell disaster is set to be taken over by the council.

Slough Borough Council has said it does not believe the freeholder of Nova House (pictured) in Buckingham Gardens, Slough ‘has the capacity’ to make it safe for its 200 residents, after Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding was found. It failed tests on June 29 and August 2, the latter which included an examination of the insulation in the building.

The council says it now plans to buy the block’s freehold company, Ground Rents Estates 5 Limited (GRE5), gaining ownership of the building before delivering essential improvements.

It was set to meet with GRE5 yesterday afternoon (Thursday).

The council’s decision followed an emergency cabinet meeting last Friday. GRE5 had said in September that the improvement work would cost around £1 million – the bill of which the leaseholders would have to pick up.

Leader of the council, Cllr Sohail Munawar, said: “We have been concerned about the fire safety at Nova House since the terrible tragedy at Grenfell Tower in June and have been closely monitoring the situation.

“Unfortunately it has now got to the stage where we feel, to protect the safety of the residents now and in the longer-term, we have to intervene directly and take over responsibility for Nova House.

“We know there is a great deal of work that needs to be done to Nova House to bring it up to the correct safety standards.

“As Slough residents, our duty is to protect them and ensure their safety and this is what has driven this decision.”

Ongoing concerns have prompted a private fire engine to be based in the car park 24-hours a day since September 27. It is being paid for by the council. Additionally the underground car park has been closed since September 22, due to fire safety concerns, and residents have been asked to park offsite.

The council however says is has given them the option of parking at nearby Herschel car park for free.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing, said: “We will be undertaking site visits and surveys in preparation for taking over the freehold, so we can move swiftly when the transfer has been completed.”

GRE5 said in a statement on Wednesday: “We can confirm that we are currently in negotiations with Slough Borough Council, after it announced its interest in acquiring Nova House.

“We support the council’s decision and think the proposed transfer is in the best interest of the residents. Both parties are committed to resolving the matter at the earliest opportunity.”