An independent report highlighted faults in workmanship by Kier Stoke contractors following complaints from residents about the new doors.

Around 66 doors inspected failed to open and close properly and did not meet the fire resistance standard of 30 minutes.

Kier Stoke has committed to put things right at no extra cost and will be working with its subcontractors to discover what went wrong.

Councillor Jan Bridges said: “We took unilateral action in 2010 to upgrade fire safety in our flats, well above the standards expected by national regulations.

“Stoke-on-Trent City Council is absolutely committed to continuously improving the quality of the 19,000 homes we provide at affordable rent to local people, and we are working with the private sector to help and support them in raising their standards too.

“We are busy driving ahead with a wide range of housing improvement projects, including the £millions we are spending on comprehensive insulation and external refurbishment of our flats.

“We are gaining the city a good reputation with Government and experts nationally. So it is really frustrating that the door contract is out of step.

“We have released the technical report, including full colour pictures, to reassure people that we are on the case. The doors’ installation is not up to scratch and we are continuing to push Kier Stoke to resolve this as quickly as possible.

“And Kier Stoke have pledged to keep residents informed at each and every step of the way.

“This glitch won’t hold us back in our continued drive to provide the best and safest homes in the country for our residents.

“That’s why we are working with the fire service right now on a model project to install state of the art sprinkler systems in our flats.”