Colchester Council said today it was "not possible" to end its contract with the crisis housing complex where five-year-old Courtney Bristow died.
Peter McDonagh, the council's homelessness team leader, insisted the council would "reinspect everything" at Silverwoods in Thorrington.
He said: "It is a dreadful tragedy. The public expects some sort of action from us and we are doing just that. We will reinspect everything at Silverwoods and ensure safety for those we will continue to place there."
Courtney died after fire swept through the two-room chalet at Silverwoods two weeks ago.
It has been claimed that a smoke alarm in the chalet she was sharing with her mother Stacey, 22, and her two younger sisters, Emily, three, and Lola, two, was not working.
Silverwoods is not required by law to have working smoke alarms or fire extinguishers in the "non-communal areas of the complex" - the bedrooms - because they are classed as a private residence.
But Mr McDonagh stressed the council needed Silverwoods on its books.
"We have to have the sort of accommodation it provides," he said. "Of course, we would much rather be able to-rehouse people permanently, but that can take between 18 months and two years.
"Initially, we have to have somewhere for people to live while we assess their needs. That is where places like Silverwoods come in."
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Published Wednesday, November 23, 2005
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