RIVER Clyde Homes will carry out new checks on the outside cladding on Inverclyde’s 13 high rise flats following the London tower block tragedy.

Housing bosses have ordered a full scale review, including a specialist independent assessment following the disaster at Grenfell Tower.

River Clyde Homes has spent millions in recent years putting cladding onto high rise buildings across the district, including at Regent Court, Royal Court, Whinhill Court and Broomhill Court in Greenock, and Eastern View in Gourock, all pictured.

But cladding has come under the microscope amid concerns that it could have played a part in the inferno which rapidly engulfed Grenfell Tower in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming many lives.

Bosses at RCH have told the Telegraph that the external insulation used on their blocks, which don’t have sprinkler systems, is not the same as those used in Grenfell Tower.

The external wall insulation on all of the local blocks is ‘high density mineral wall insulation’.

The housing association has pledged to revisit their fire safety procedures following the disaster.

David Falla, head of asset planning and development at RCH, said: “We are aware that customers may be concerned about fire safety following the events in London and have issued messages of reassurance that we have extensive fire safety measures in place with daily, monthly and yearly checks.

“In light of the Grenfell tragedy, and similar to many other housing providers, we’ll be carrying out a full review of our arrangements.

“We will be engaging with Scottish Fire & Rescue Service to clarify their recommendations on procedures in the event of a fire in a multi-storey.

“Yesterday, as well as carrying out our normal inspections and reviewing current arrangements, we also commissioned an independent specialist to carry out a comprehensive fire risk assessment of all our blocks.

“We will also be monitoring the fire investigation in London to understand if there is any information which can help to improve our own safety measures once the cause of the fire has been confirmed by the fire investigators.

“None of the external wall insulation installed in Inverclyde blocks is of similar construction to that used at Grenfell.

“All external cladding installed by River Clyde Homes is compliant with safety guidelines and meets building regulations.

“But for public reassurance we are undertaking a full technical assessment.”

Broomhill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association secretary Jenny Speck, who lives in one of the buildings which has been fitted with cladding, is leading calls for a database so that emergency services know of all the infirm residents who live in high rise blocks and would need help to get out in the event of a blaze.

Campaigner Jenny, who has stayed in Whinhill Court for eight years, said: “It is something that we have taken for granted, that our flats are fire safe.

“I spoke with River Clyde Homes first thing on Wednesday morning and they were already making checks.

“They reassured me that it was not the same cladding that had been used in London.

“My phone was ringing all day with residents concerned and asking questions.

“When I turned on my TV I just felt sick.”

One of the first issues Jenny would like addressed is for the fire service to have full details about the mobility of residents within local high flats.

She said: “We need to know what our residents’ needs are.

“There are at least four people I know of in Whinhill Court who couldn’t use the stairs. I was also concerned about the height ladders go up to.

“It is a concern if you have a multi-storey and the ladders can’t reach.

“I have always felt reassured by the fire alarm system and everything that is in place.”

As the grim recovery of bodies begins in London, Prime Minister Theresa May has ordered a full public inquiry into the fatal fire.

River Clyde Homes says any customers with concerns can arrange a free home fire safety visit from Scottish Fire and Rescue by dialling 0800 0731 999.