RESIDENTS facing a £2 million bill to have Grenfell-type cladding removed from their building have launched a petition demanding government intervention.

Leaseholders at Citiscape in south London, which has cladding panels similar to those believed to have spread last year’s blaze that killed 80 people, face crippling charges within months.

Local Labour MP Steve Reed condemned “the appalling situation of living in flats that [residents] know are at risk of going up in flames but are unable to take action to keep their homes and their families safe.”

The “terrified” residents have been told by the property management company that the cost of a new cladding system for the 10-storey block is likely to be covered through service charges, which are borne by leaseholders.

In advance of a tribunal that will determine who should foot the bill, the residents’ petition asks ministers to turn “words into action” and rule that it is freeholders’ responsibility to ensure the safety of communal buildings.

It also asks for government financial support for emergency measures to be put in place.

The news follows the government’s rejection of petitions urging it to install sprinkler systems in tower blocks nationwide, which experts believe could have prevented the spread of the Grenfell fire.

Citiscape resident Miguel said: “I just hope this is the nudge that helps them walk the walk after all the talk they have done since last summer.”

A Housing Department spokesman said: “We are keeping the situation under review.”