NEWS that cladding on tower block homes in Newport failed safety tests organised in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy is bound to cause concern.

And it does raise questions about the whole system of regulation surrounding cladding and the material used.

No doubt something which will be explored during the investigation into the dreadful tragedy in London.

Newport City Homes invested a significant sum of money cladding the tower blocks in the city as part of a wider improvement scheme.

It did not send off samples for testing in the immediate aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy presumably because it was felt there was no need because of the type of cladding used and the advice received.

So we can understand the disappointment that the tests in the last couple of days concluded the cladding does not pass the safety test.

For the residents though the main concern is personal safety, and Newport City Homes and the fire service are to be applauded for the way they responded. Their immediate priority was to visit tenants and talk to them directly, an open information policy which has not always been apparent elsewhere in the country.