The leaders of two district councils have reassured residents that “immediate steps” have been taken to ensure that a similar situation to the Grenfell Tower tragedy does not happen here.

Amid concerns that up to 4,000 high-rise blocks across the country could be using similar cladding to that used on Grenfell Tower – which is believed to have contributed to the spread of the deadly fire - South Bucks and Chiltern District Councils have assured residents that they are “not currently aware” of any of their buildings using it.

In a joint statement from Cllr Isobel Darby, leader of Chiltern District Council and Cllr Ralph Bagge, leader of South Bucks District Council, they acknowledged that residents will be “understandably concerned” about the possibility of something similar happening in the districts, but added that the councils’ have requested that their partner housing associations and housing providers update them on their fire risk assessments.

They said: “While we have no tower blocks in Chiltern or South Bucks, our registered accommodation providers do have some large blocks of flats.

“We wish to reassure residents that immediate steps were taken when we learned of the Grenfell Tower tragedy requesting that our partner housing associations and housing providers update us on their fire risk assessments.

“We are also asking for information on any refurbishments that may have been undertaken, particularly any which included external insulation similar in design to that used on the Grenfell Tower building.  We are not currently aware of any.

“Safety of the people we accommodate is of paramount importance to our two councils and we take our duty of care very seriously.

“Our officers work diligently with housing partners, associations and private landlords, to ensure safety standards are maintained but in the light of this recent disaster greater emphasis is being placed on this work, and all accommodation providers are being asked to confirm that comprehensive safety measures, including evacuation procedures, are in place.

“We have all seen the footage of the terrible events of the Grenfell Tower fire and the human suffering which continues to unfold. Our thoughts are with those affected, and with the emergency service personnel who have been so professional in the face of unimaginable horror.”

The councils’ housing association colleagues have also released their own statements in the wake of the shocking fire that claimed the lives of at least 79 people in North Kensington.

L&Q Group said they have “robust” measures in place to ensure the safety of their properties and were working closely with fire authorities to ensure the measures are regularly tested and fully compliant with the law.

Paradigm Housing assured residents that “their safety is our top priority” while Hightown Homes added: “We want to reassure our residents that Hightown Homes takes fire safety very seriously.

“All our multi occupancy buildings have a current Fire Risk Assessment and fire safety within buildings is regularly reviewed to ensure they meet the current fire safety regulations and good practice guidance.

“All health and safety equipment in our developments is regularly tested and inspected in line with regulatory requirements and as part of our approach to maintaining our stock.”

Wycombe District Council has also been approached for comment.