The residents and local community are raising significant concerns over the fire safety of a building within Templars Square, Cowley. Oxford City Council finds itself at the center of criticism after allegations surfaced accusing the council of not registering the Pound House building as a "high-rise."

Oxford City Council Accused of a "Criminal Offence"

Source: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24486895.fire-safety-concern-templars-square-building-cowley/

In recent days, tensions have escalated following accusations against Oxford City Council for what some are calling a "criminal offence." The council allegedly failed to register the Pound House building, located at Templars Square, as a "high-rise" structure. This classification is crucial for ensuring that the building adheres to stringent fire safety regulations designed to protect residents and prevent catastrophic incidents.

Residents of the Pound House building are understandably distressed. The classification of a building as "high-rise" triggers a series of safety checks, regulations, and compliance measures that are not only preventative but also life-saving. Without this designation, the building potentially lacks the necessary fire safety measures to adequately protect its occupants.

Local Community Expresses Alarm

Several local community leaders and residents have voiced their concerns, demanding immediate action from Oxford City Council. One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, "It is deeply concerning that such an oversight has occurred. The safety and lives of every resident in Pound House could be at risk because of this negligence."

The implications of the oversight are severe. In high-rise buildings, the risk of fire spreading rapidly is significantly higher, necessitating advanced fire prevention measures and robust emergency response plans. The failure to recognise and classify Pound House as a high-rise building means these critical measures may not be in place.

Response from Oxford City Council

In response to the growing concerns, Oxford City Council has issued a statement acknowledging the accusations but stopped short of admitting any fault. A council spokesperson said, "We take fire safety extremely seriously and are currently conducting a thorough review of our records and procedures. Our primary focus is the safety and well-being of our residents, and we will take appropriate action based on our findings."

This statement, however, has done little to quell the rising frustration among residents and local advocates for building safety. Many are calling for an independent investigation into the council’s practices to ensure accountability and transparency.

Immediate Call for Action

With the spotlight now firmly on Oxford City Council, fire safety experts and local leaders are urging immediate action to rectify the situation. These actions include promptly registering Pound House as a high-rise building, conducting comprehensive fire risk assessments, and implementing all required safety measures without delay.

Furthermore, there are calls for the council to revisit other buildings in the area to ensure they are appropriately classified and compliant with current fire safety standards. The incident has highlighted potential vulnerabilities in the council's oversight processes, suggesting a broader need for systemic reviews and improvements.

As this situation unfolds, the residents of Pound House and the wider Cowley community remain vigilant, prioritising their safety and advocating for stringent adherence to fire safety regulations. The outcome of this issue will serve as a critical test for Oxford City Council’s commitment to public safety and regulatory compliance.