NEIGHBOURS living in apartments covered in cladding which failed a fire safety test are carrying on as normal but remaining vigilant.

Lingfield Apartments in Walthamstow Stadium in Chingford Road, Chingford failed government tests carried out in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Because similar cladding was used on the exterior of three other blocks on the site, there are now fears that all 300 homes could be at risk.

London and Quadrant Housing Association (L&Q) who run the site, have sent in 24/7 security and ordered fire safety checks to be carried out on all properties.

T’shai, who lives with her friend in Lingfield Apartments, said her balcony is surrounded by the cladding.

“The fire brigade came round to check my smoke alarm but I don’t feel any safer,” said the 22-year-old.

“I’m really affected by it. There’s always a chance something could happen.

“L&Q sent us a leaflet but I feel like they have done this to cover their own backs and not so much for the residents.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The tower block fire on June 14 is thought to have killed at least 80 people.

The cladding used on Grenfell Tower was aluminium with a polyethylene core which has been found to be combustible in government tests.

Waltham Forest Council said there are no plans for the apartments to be evacuated because no other issues identified as contributory factors to the Grenfell Tower fire were found.

Last month families were forced to evacuate a tower block in Camden after fire crews found exposed gas pipes and missing fire doors.

Justine Fletcher lives in a block opposite Lingfield Apartments.

She said: “As a construction industry professional I am confident that L&Q are doing everything they can and we are as safe as we can be.

“I can understand if people are worried but what is needed in a situation like this is calm.

“We know that the cladding will have to be removed and new cladding will have to be installed. I’m a homeowner and I want to be sure that my investment is secure.”

Iga, who has lived in Lingfield Apartments for the past three months, said as soon as she saw the news about the Grenfell fire she called the housing association.

“I said I think our cladding outside is similar so I called L&Q and asked them what they are doing about it,” said the mother-of-one.

“I’m impressed so see that they seem to be taking this seriously.

“The manager from L&Q told us to take all our belongings off the balcony. We don’t want to have to leave, we want to stay here and eventually buy the apartment.”

Mario Kneeland has lived in an apartment in Walthamstow Stadium since last December.

The 30-year-old said: “L&Q has responded well to this considering they rarely reply to us if we have a problem with something else.”

Gail Penfold, chairman of Walthamstow Stadium Area Residents’ Association, said the group is “deeply concerned” for their neighbours in the apartments affected.

Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, cabinet member for housing, said: “Our number one priority is the safety of residents and we are ready to support the London and Quadrant Group as they implement any recommendations following this news.

“We are monitoring the ongoing investigation into the Grenfell Tower disaster closely. Our Planning and Building Control departments continue to ensure that developments in the borough meet all current safety regulations.”