A LEADING York councillor today called for an independent inquiry into the devastating Fulford flats blaze.

Fishergate Green Party councillor Andy D'Agorne who represents the Fulford Place residents, said questions remained unanswered regarding the initial water supply problems and the safety of materials used in the roof construction.

The Evening Press reported on Saturday the fire investigators' report into the blaze, which revealed a damning catalogue of failures at the complex.

They found that the flats apparently failed three separate sets of building regulations that should have prevented the flames spreading.

The report also said the fire was started by a burning rag, but roof compartment walls should have contained the fire and stopped widespread damage. Coun D'Agorne said he welcomed the fire investigation report, but remained unhappy that there has not been an independent inquiry into the circumstances of the blaze.

"I appreciate that the fire service will identify the causes that made it difficult for them to stop the spread, but they are not going to speculate on to what extent the initial lack of water supply or pressure, and the absence of sprinklers gave the fire a better chance to take hold on the building," he said.

Coun D'Agorne said he wanted to see a programme of checks to all fire hydrants that serve new residential developments in the city.

He claimed that hydrants near to Fulford Place were initially found to be either seized up or providing inadequate pressure, as witnessed by the evacuated residents of the block.

He said: "I am also disappointed that the residents of Fulford Place have not been yet been given the opportunity to ask questions about the report or invited to talk with any members of the Combined Fire Authority that is due to discuss the full report on Friday.

"I am hoping to have a briefing on the report, but residents will want answers to questions themselves, even if some may have to be referred to insurers or legal experts."

Owen Hayward, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue's operations support manager, said their findings were available to other bodies to look at.

He said a programme had already been put in place to check the city's hydrants.

Updated: 10:14 Wednesday, September 07, 2005