PANELS are being removed from balconies and windows at two blocks of flats in Oldbury as part of a series of safety measures following the tragic fire in London.

Sandwell Council carried out safety checks across the borough after the blaze at Grenfell Tower and tests were also carried out on aluminium composite panels at the eight-storey blocks of Astbury Court and Lawrence Court.

Although the panelling complies with current building regulations, as a result of the test, the council decided to remove and replace the panelling with immediate effect.

The council claim the main cladding of the blocks – which contain 48 flats – is made of a different material, so the current work only affects the panels on balconies and around some windows.

Neale House and Macauley House in West Bromwich is also undergoing work on the same issue.

Sandwell’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said: “Firstly, we’d like to reassure residents that they are safe to remain in their buildings while we carry out work to remove the panels in question.

“The main cladding on these four blocks is not the same as that used at Grenfell Tower nor is it made of aluminium composite like the panelling we're having to remove.

“We acted as soon as safety issues came to light about panelling on balconies and around some windows at these four blocks.

“Work to remove these panels started first thing on Tuesday morning. It will carry on over the weekend and is expected to be completed by the end of next week. The removed panels will be later replaced when fire resistant materials can be installed.”

Jan Britton, the council’s chief executive, added: “While the panels comply with current building regulations, in light of the test results and recent events we are taking this action because the safety of our residents always comes first.”

The council said fire wardens have been on site at all four buildings overnight and will continue to carry out regular patrols until all panels have been removed.

Chief Fire Officer Phil Loach, from West Midlands Fire Service, said: “We absolutely understand that this is a time of concern for high-rise residents. We continue to work closely with our colleagues in all of the West Midlands' seven local authority areas.

“The safety of people living in high-rise blocks is paramount, which is why our fire safety officers have already responded by carrying out internal and external assessments of the four premises in Sandwell.

“We welcome the council's decision to employ fire marshals at the buildings. By yesterday evening (Tuesday, June 27), our local fire crews had completed visits to the premises.

“This is part of our ongoing programme to reassure residents and be familiar with key buildings on their local 'patch'.”