A London politician has demanded a quick response from Bouygues after part of a balcony collapsed inside a development built by the contractor.
Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell wrote to the management of the French-owned contractor asking for inspections to be carried out “at pace”.
The local authority said part of a balcony facade in Weaver’s Quarter, east London, collapsed on Saturday (November 11) in a “horrifying experience” for residents.
Bouygues delivered the homes on the former Gascoigne estate in Barking to L&Q, which acted as developer and subsequently sold the homes at this stage to the council, which now owns them through its housing company Reside .
Rodwell wrote in his letter to Bouygues: “In September, L&Q notified Bouygues of a defect in the strength of the balcony facades.
“I understand that Bouygues has accepted this notice, but is not yet responsible for the work. I understand that Bouygues has already finished repairing some balconies on the estate.
“I hope that all the remaining inspections will be carried out in time so that the work to repair the remaining balconies can be completed.”
Although no one was injured in the balcony collapse, the council said in a statement that it posed “a risk to people who may be passing by”.
He added: “Reside is organizing works to reduce the risk until we have clear assurance that all balconies on the estate are safe.
“At the moment we are in talks with Bouygues to state the need to take urgent measures in response to the concerns raised. We will continue to work with Bouygues, L&Q and Reside to address any concerns from residents.”
Resident Matt Lismore published on social networks an email he sent to Rodwell in May 2022 raising “concerns about the management and construction quality” of Weaver’s Quarter. “No action was taken,” Lismore said.
Bouygues UK said in a statement: “Following the incident at Weaver’s Quarter Estate, where some soffit boards became detached and fell from a balcony, our main concern has been to ensure the safety of residents.
“We are working hard with Reside to take immediate action, put the necessary safety measures in place and carry out the appropriate remedial works.”
L&Q declined to comment.
Debris after part of a balcony broke off on the Weaver’s Quarter estate in Barking. Source: Matt Lismore
