THE Welsh Government has confirmed that cladding in seven tower blocks in Wales is currently being tested.

The devastating blaze which engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell tower, in London, claimed the lives of some 80 people.

Following the tragedy, Sajid Javid, the communities and local government secretary, announced highly flammable cladding had been found on 75 buildings across 26 local authority areas.

No towers in Wales have the same cladding as Grenfell, however tests on aluminium composite material are being carried out.

Gwent has a few tower blocks - including in Newport - which although unconfirmed could be tested.

In previous statements Newport City Homes, which manages three 11-storey towers in the Gaer, St Julians and Ringland areas of Newport, has assured residents the cladding used on its buildings is not the same as that used in London, and is non-flammable.

The Tower and Monmouth House near Cwmbran Shopping Centre in Torfaen are not believed to have aluminium composite material.

It is believed that if the samples fail flammability tests landlords will not necessarily have to evacuate the blocks, but action will need to be taken.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “We can confirm that there are seven tower blocks in Wales where Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding is, or is suspected to be, present, and are consequently being tested. The test results are expected within days.”

Reassurances have previously been given to people living in Gwent high-rise blocks following the devastating fire.

A statement from assistant chief fire officer of South Wales Fire, Andrew Thomas, read: “As a service, we would like to reassure our communities that this type of fire is rare and that high-rise buildings are designed to resist fire, stop the spread of smoke and provide a safe means of escape.

“We work closely with the housing sector and local authorities to ensure our high-rise buildings comply with fire safety legislation.”

“The service operates a risk based inspection programme, giving advice and guidance.”

For more information about fire safety, visit www.southwales-fire.gov.uk