Wythenshawe Community Housing which runs social housing in the town says it is removing cladding from a tower block in the wake of the Grenfell fire tragedy in London.

The social landlord said in a statement today it is working with the Greater Manchester Fire service on a comprehensive review of tower blocks in Wythenshawe.

They’ve confirmed they began removing 78 panels today from part of their Village 135 scheme.

The statement following comments earlier this week from Wythenshawe MP Mike Kane that note of the tower blocks in the town have cladding association with the rapid spread of the fire at Grenfell.

WCHG Chief Executive Nigel Wilson said: “I want to reassure all our residents we take their safety very seriously. We immediately commissioned an extensive review of all our 10 tower blocks following this tragedy, which has flagged up a small area of failed panels on one scheme. We have taken immediate action and are in the process of having these panels removed and are working closely with the Local Authority and Greater Manchester Fire Brigade”.

Chair of the Board, The Bishop of Manchester, The Right Revd David Walker said: “WCHG have reacted without delay commissioning this review, following this terrible tragedy, the safety of our residents is our first priority and immediate action is now being taken to resolve this”.

Greater Manchester Fire Service said: “Following Village 135’s test results, we have conducted a fire risk audit, which has concluded that this building is safe for all its residents. We are happy with WCHG’s active and passive fire systems.”