Emergency action needed after loose glass found on high-rise roof

Emergency action was needed at a block of flats in Brierley Hill after Dudley Council workers found loose glass panels on the roof.

The panels, on the 13-floor Dean Court building in Chapel Street, stand vertically on the edge of the building and an inspection revealed part of the structure had become unsafe.

The authority moved quickly to install scaffolding at the bottom of the tower to prevent the glass from hitting anyone if it fell off. Meanwhile the loose panels were secured on the roof with straps.

A Dudley Council spokesperson said: “Following a planned daily check at Dean Court last month, a section of the glazing wall at the top of the block was found to be unstable.

“We responded immediately to secure the glazing panel and erect scaffolding to protect the entrance to the block. 

“An external structural engineer inspected the site on October 3 and deemed it to be safe.”

Regular checks are now taking place at Deane Court and other buildings on the site are also being examined by engineers.

The spokesperson added: “Qualified staff inspect the structure throughout each week to ensure it remains safe.

“Further work will be carried out prior to the removal of the protective scaffolding, and the council continues to work with structural engineers to design a longer-term solution to ensure a similar issue is prevented in future. 

“We envisage this work will be completed within the month.

“We believe this to be an isolated incident. 

“However, the safety of our residents is paramount and structural engineers have been instructed to undertake further tests on blocks in Chapel Street.”

The authority would not reveal how much the scaffolding is costing council taxpayers, saying the information was ‘commercially sensitive’.

The spokesperson said: “We seek to ensure we attain value for money across the delivery of services to residents.”