Cllr Nick Peel. Leader of Bolton Labour Group said “The outcome of this fire could have been so much worse, had it not been for the speed, bravery and excellent training of our fire fighters.

“The Government recently announced a fund that would go to only a small proportion of buildings with non ACM combustible cladding, such as the Cube. After all of the media and Government spotlight on the Cube at the time of the fire, its somewhat perverse that the Cube does not quality for Government help on 2 fronts; firstly that is slightly under the 18 metres threshold and secondly, that it is purpose built student accommodation. What that has to do with it has never been explained.

“This issue is way too serious for arbitrary rules to be applied to a crucial cladding safety fund, and Bolton Labour Councillors have launched an online petition calling on the Government to widen its criteria for financial help, so that the Cube and other high rises in Bolton can become much safer places to live.”