Installing cavity wall insulation is a real problem for tower blocks. Scaffolding costs are enormous, lots of disruption and security risks.

So three years ago I contacted Southwark Council officers suggesting they use rope access. I’d read about an company called Avalon (Avalon Sustainable Energy Services Ltd) doing this for Camden Council – people abseiling down the sides of blocks. I used to climb and could instantly see how efficient abseiling would be. Avoiding scaffolding dramatically reduces the cost and time it takes to undertake the works.

Southwark Council has just decided to follow this technology for a number of blocks in Southwark. Council officials have confirmed its less than half the price of traditional methods. 

So for those that live in Burwash, Smila, Mardyke, Helen Gladstone, Redman, Styles, Prospect, Kennington Park Houses don’t be too shocked to find someone dangling outside a window.

For those living in Laird, Crossmount, Otterburn, Tissington, Addy, Brydale, John Kennedy, Crane Houses officers are double checking whether you have sufficient cavity to make such insulation worth undertaking.

All the Southwark tower block cavity wall insulation works will be completed by Christmas.

Hooray. Its only took three years to get my way!