HOUSING bosses claim they are taking action after it was revealed this week that all the borough's tower blocks are at high risk of fire.

Barnet Homes said they chose to take the view that all 28 tower blocks across Barnet should be treated as “high risk” in light of the fatal fire in Camberwell earlier this year.

Having classed them in this category, fire safety assessors and representatives from the fire brigade attended the blocks to carry out inspections.

Barnet Homes Chief Executive, Tracey Lees, said they took a similar approach for all sheltered housing schemes, alarm-assisted blocks, and other styles of residential blocks.

She said: “We believe this is our duty as a responsible landlord.

“We are acting to address any issues arising from these assessments, such as making repairs to fire doors or removing obstructions from communal corridors.

“We will complete fire risk assessments for all other properties by the end of December 2009.”

Each local authority and housing management organisation can decide on how they risk assess their properties and prioritise fire risk assessments, and Ms Lees added: “It is clear that different criteria are used by different social landlords.

“We would assure residents that neither our tower blocks nor our other properties are any more at risk than similar properties elsewhere in London.

“Our approach to prioritising fire risk assessments has been endorsed by the London Fire Brigade. We will continue to work closely with them and follow their guidance.”

Residents have been provided with “key fire safety information” in the Barnet Homes' newsletter, and further information is due to be given in future editions.

Ms Lees added: “We are continuing to carry out inspections of communal areas on a regular basis and to address any safety issues that are identified.”