THE firm which carried out the controversial Grenfell Tower refurbishment project was not the intended contractor, it has emerged.

The contract was won by Rydon, based in Forest Row, and was completed in June last year.

But documents show that rival Leadbitter had quoted £11.27 million to carry out the work, which was £1.6 million above the council’s budget.

The Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, which managed and maintained the council’s housing stock, decided to put the contract back out to tender and Rydon ended up agreeing to take it on for £8.7 million.

That was more than £2.5 million lower.

Rydon employs more than 750 people and boss Robert Bond insists the refurbishment met all required building regulations as well as fire regulation and health and safety standards.

Grenfell Tower was fitted with new cladding last year as part of the £8.6 million refurbishment.

Harley Facades Limited, based in Farningham Road, Crowborough, fitted the cladding in a contract believed to be £2.6 million. Some witnesses have claimed the external fittings acted as a “firelighter” and helped flames engulf the tower within 15 minutes.

The material used in the cladding that covered the tower was the cheaper, more flammable version of the two available options.

Meanwhile, council house tenants in Adur and householders across both Adur and Worthing were yesterday issued with fire safety advice and assured staff were remaining vigilant over risk.

Adur Homes, owned by the district council, has 2,576 properties of which 925 are flats. It has two six-storey blocks.

This number represents three per cent of the total number of households in Adur and Worthing but the councils also have a licensing and inspection responsibility on some private housing.

Councillor Carson Albury, Adur executive member for customer services said: “Our thoughts are with the victims of the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower and their families. We have always and will continue to take all steps to ensure the safety of our properties.”