Protesting Holly Lodge residents have been told the rooftop exits do not comply with safety standards

THE roofs of the Holly Lodge estate have offered grandstand views across London on Bonfire Night, provided a relaxing space to practise yoga or sunbathe, and have been used to air laundry.

And they have also been considered a vital safety route out of the 100-year-old blocks in case of fire, which has meant tenants are horrified to learn that the council are looking at safety regulations which state the roofs should be permanently locked.

At a meeting on Thursday in the Highgate estate’s community centre, Town Hall fire safety chiefs and Camden’s fire Brigade commander Dave George told residents that the exits did not comply with safety standards.

Tenants were told recent works inside flats, which included new fireproof doors, mean the safest route out is to head downstairs.

But the meeting saw 60 residents united in opposition. They say a works programme should make them fit for purpose – not simply shut and left to further deteriorate.

The meeting heard how a survey found some blocks had spiral staircases, and fencing is not high enough. Iron gantries linking blocks are also unsafe.

The New Journal has learned a bill of over £2million would come with doing this extra work – which Camden is not willing to spend.

The Holly Lodge Residents’ and Tenants’ Association chairman Josh Cedar, said they would not accept exits being permanently locked.

He said: “The TRA view is that at a minimum, whatever happens, we want residents to have some method of opening the roof doors in a situation where a resident can’t get down to the ground floor in an emergency.

“If improvements need to be carried out to the roofs then Camden should work on these. We have families living on the top floors of blocks that are over 100 years old and full of wood. Why cut off this option?

“What is the problem with having another way to escape as a back-up? The Town Hall’s view is really legalistic. They said it creates ambiguity to have two fire exits and that there is no need for it. But people feel safer knowing there is another exit in emergency.”

Lisa Rose has lived in Holly Lodge since 1995 and recalled how the roofs have been a fire exit and a space for tenants to quietly access.

She said: “People have used the roof spaces for many years in complete safety. Out of nowhere we have been given letters saying we can no longer hang washing up there.

“If they need work done to make them the right standard, then do it. Does this mean they have not been properly maintained?

“In our leases it could be included that anyone who accesses the roof does so entirely at their own risk.”

Zuzana Spisak, who lives on the fourth floor with her children and a dog, said: “If a fire broke out below us, what would we do to escape? The exit through the roof is vital, and the idea that it may be locked feels like an accident waiting to happen.”

A council spokesman said: “Ensuring residents’ safety is our primary concern. We’ve undertaken several fire-risk assessments which identified the rooftop exits are not safe to use in the case of a fire – the London Fire Brigade have also issued a notice instructing us to close the exits.

“At the meeting residents asked a number of questions and we will be writing to them with further information.

“As confirmed at the meeting, we will arrange for new locks to keep people safe.”