Sprinklers could be fitted at high-rise blocks across Wolverhampton after Grenfell Tower tragedy

Housing bosses are drawing up plans to have sprinklers fitted despite the huge cost as they say the safety of tenants is 'paramount'.

They are expected to be rolled out over the next five years, with flats in Heath Town set to be the first to benefit to coincide with a revamp of the area.

• Express & Star comment: No price on keeping the public safe

Wolverhampton council's housing boss Peter Bilson said the authority had decided to take action rather than waiting for advice from the Government.

He said the council was reacting to concerns of many high-rise tenants in the city and that the move could save lives.

A total of £19.2 million has been set aside to pay for sprinklers until 2023.

Bosses have been keen to address safety at its high-rise blocks following the Grenfell Tower tragedy which killed up to 80 people and brought the issue into public focus.

Concern

Councillor Bilson said: "This is a clear indication and statement of intent to address the challenges that we know people are concerned about.

"We have acknowledged there is a considerable amount of public concern around the issue. We are not opposed to the fitting of sprinklers.

"It is in our interests to make sure tenants' health and wellbeing is the best it possibly can be."

The council revealed requests for funding from the Government for funding for sprinklers had so far being unsuccessful, meaning it has had to pledge its own funds towards the programme for the next five years.

Councillor Bilson said: "We have not had any guidance from central Government on the review following Grenfell Tower nor have we had any guidance on regulations from central Government.

"If we are making provision for for sprinklers we can't be spending on other things but nevertheless I do think safety and wellbeing is a crucial issue.

"No-one can deny the horror of Grenfell Tower has left us all to reflect.

"We are not waiting. We hoped to have heard something from central Government by now but the reality is we haven't. We feel the fitting of sprinklers is needed to give the public the reassurance they are looking for."