Survivors get final say on Grenfell Tower memorial

The blackened shell of Grenfell Tower could be turned into a memorial to the 71 people who perished in the fire.

The Government has pledged to give survivors and bereaved families the final say on what happens to the site.

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It means those affected by the blaze will be ‘given a veto on all future decisions, equivalent to a 50% representative vote’, ministers said.

Other suggestions for the site include potentially renaming the nearby Latimer Road Underground Station to ‘Grenfell’ as a permanent tribute.

The community will also be able to block any plans to redevelop Grenfell for new housing.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Natasha Quarmby/REX/Shutterstock (9381982e) The monthly walk for the Grenfell Tragedy which takes place on the fourteenth of every month, fell on Valentines day today. Approx a thosand people marched from Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall to Maxilla Walk in torrential rain, holding green hearts in silence, the route was approx five kilometres. Valentines Day Silent Walk for Grenfell, London, UK - 14 Feb 2018 — The community will be able to block any plans to redevelop Grenfell for new housing (Picture: Rex)

Those who escaped the blaze said the future of the west London site has been the subject of concern in recent months.

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Shahin Sadafi, chair of the Grenfell United survivors’ group, said: ‘The future of Grenfell Tower site has been a major source of anxiety for the bereaved, survivors and local community not least because it is the final resting place of the loved ones we lost in the fire.

‘We are pleased that eight months on from the fire we finally have agreement that the bereaved, survivors and community will be at the heart of deciding the legacy of the site.

‘We hope working together to create a fitting memorial will be part of a healing process for everyone affected.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 15: People write tributes and messages of condolence for the victims on a wall near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire on June 15, 2017 in London, England. At least 17 people have been confirmed dead and dozens missing after the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road was engulfed in flames in the early hours of June 14.The number of fatalities are expected to rise. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) — Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 15: (Picture: Getty)

‘The Government and Kensington and Chelsea Council have treated this issue with dignity and respect.

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‘We can only hope the Government applies the same seriousness to our need for truth and justice at the Inquiry, this includes listening to our requests for changes to ensure a thorough Inquiry.’

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: ‘I am pleased that after hearing the concerns raised by the community, the Government and Kensington and Chelsea Council have confirmed there are no existing plans for the site on which the tower stands.

‘I have always been clear that only by first listening to the community can we begin to rebuild their trust. This public commitment is a demonstration of us being true to that word and I am pleased we have been able to agree a way forward.’