A tower block has been retro-fitted with a sprinkler system – the first of its kind in Wales.

Fairview Court, in Pontypool, is the first high rise owned by registered social landlord Bron Afon Community Housing to benefit from the safety measure.

The building is a 12-storey high block with 70 flats. Implementation of the system cost £95,000 and sprinklers are only activated at a temperature of 68 degrees celcius.

Dave Sharman, Bron Afon community housing’s director of property, said: “We looked carefully at the lessons learnt from fires in high rise blocks and have worked closely with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“Only the sprinkler nearest to the fire will be activated and usually within one minute or less. As well as putting out the fire, the sprinklers greatly reduce the particles contained in smoke so reduce the risk of injury from smoke inhalation.”