Archive
We are seeking to gather and share resources that can be useful learning tools. If you have historic material that you would like to share please get in touch.
National Tower Blocks Network
Tower Blocks UK and it's founders have a long history in campaigning for safe tower blocks. In 1984 we established the 'National Tower Blocks Network', gathering and sharing information about structural, safety and social issues affecting tower blocks, and promoting solutions to these problems.
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Browse our archive below. It includes our National Tower Block Directories published in the 80's and 90's with articles relating to tower blocks and their safety. We will be uploading more materials in the future, so do check back regularly.
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The National Tower Blocks Directory 1987.
Browse using the reader, or click on the PDF Symbol below to download a higher resolution version of this document.
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The National Tower Blocks Directory 1992.
Browse using the reader, or contact us for a higher resolution version
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The National Tower Blocks Fire Safety Information Pack. This pack offered tenants an overview of fire safety regulations of the time and a step by step guide on how to assess fire risks within their own buildings.
Following the Merry Hill Court Fire in July 1990, the National Tower Blocks Network began spot checking blocks around the UK, and launched a campaign with the Fire Brigades Union to enact section 3 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 to reduce risks in blocks.
National Association of Bison tenants
A campaign focused on Bison Large Panel System blocks was active in the 1970's and 1980's.
The safety risks associated with Bison blocks was raised in parliament in July 1984, read the written answer from Hansard here.
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Were you involved in the Bison campaign? If so, we'd love to hear from you, please do get in touch.
The evolution of the Bison Wall Frame System (1970)
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Read more about the problems associated with system builds on our Large Panel System (LPS) page
Yorkshire development tenants action group
A history of the tenants movement in Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham and Hull and the formation of the Yorkshire Development Tenants Action Group.
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Children in high rise
Peter MacLoughlin, former cabinet member for housing in Sheffield produced a report in the 1990s called 'Up In Arms'. It covers the various problems faced by children living in high rise blocks, including falls from height. (Some parts of this report may be distressing*)
In July 1970 GLC Architect Sir Hubert Bennett writes to Building Design magazine to dispute concerns raised by Sam Webb MBE about the governments strengthening programme for LPS blocks. (Click on the image to read the full letter.)