FIRE bosses have helped fund life-saving sprinkler projects across Southend and Basildon.

The systems have been installed in five properties in Southend and a high-rise block of flats in Basildon in a move which Essex Fire Service says is demonstrating the service’s commitment to making homes safer.

The service part-funded the sprinkler project, giving £74,000 to South Essex Homes and £50,000 to Basildon Council.

Fire suppression systems have been installed in Ravenscourt Court, in Basildon, Chaucer House, in Southend, a hostel in Trinity Road, Southend, two hostels on Valkyrie Road, Southend, and another hostel in Chancellor Road, Southend.

It is hoped the introduction of sprinklers into the buildings will reduce safety fears in some tower blocks, prompting an urgent review into fire safety.

Jo Turnton, chief executive of the Essex fire service, said: “Sprinklers are a reliable and cost-effective way of stopping fires from growing and spreading.

“In most cases, they actually put them out completely, so we’re really pleased that all of these homes have had them installed and even more pleased that we’ve been able to help fund these life-saving systems.”

A spokesperson for Basildon Council added: “We are delighted to receive this large contribution to the overall costs from the fire service which further boosts the fire safety at this scheme.

“The sprinklers cover each property and communal areas.”

London firefighters have made further calls for a change in the law to force developers to install sprinklers in new-builds, to avoid disasters such as Grenfell in June 2017.

They stated in February: “We think they’re essential in every high-rise building, and in places our most vulnerable residents live – places like care homes.”

Separately, there have also been widespread calls for a fire safety inspection in a high rise block in Westcliff.

The council’s safety boss appeared to back those calls but has subsequently backtracked.