More than 60 fire doors of a type which failed tests in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy are fitted in council properties across Gravesham, it has emerged.

A Freedom of Information request sent to local authorities around the UK found 62 doors in council properties were of a type built by Permadoor - one of five companies forced to withdraw products last year following tests instigated in the wake of the Grenfell blaze - although the doors had been fitted before the tragedy.

A public inquiry into the tragedy - which broke out in a tower block in West London in June 2017 causing 72 deaths - stated that poorly performing Manse Mastador products contributed to the disaster, helping to spread the blaze.

Tests showed the doors only withstood fire for 15 minutes, just half the amount of time they were supposed to; and subsequent tests also revealed problems with doors by Permadoor, Masterdor Limited, Solar Windows Limited and Bowater by Birtley.

In response to the FOI, Gravesham council said it had not taken action to remove the fire doors, and was waiting for further guidance from the government.

A spokesman said: “Whilst further guidance regarding the aforementioned fire doors has been issued, the following advice issued in July 2018 still remains.

"The government’s Independent Expert Panel and the National Fire Chiefs Council have advised that the additional risk to public safety is low, as even when not meeting full resistance standards fire doors will provide some protection from the spread of fire and are part of layered fire protection systems within buildings.

"We are yet to receive advice from the government with regards to what action must be taken regarding their latest tests.

"Gravesham continues to liaise and work closely with Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS)."