Cladding-risk residents ‘given 30 minutes’ to evacuate

A woman living in a hotel because her apartment block was evacuated over dangerous cladding said she was given 30 minutes to leave her home.

Anne Eason was one of 60 residents told to leave Barbourne Works in Worcester on Wednesday after inspectors found dangers “so significant and the risk to residents was so severe” a prohibition notice was issued.

“I think the knock at my door was about half past eight and we were told we had to be out by nine,” she said. “It was a bit heavy-handed. There were police there and you were told that the law said you had to move whether you liked it or not.”

Managing agents First Port said action was taken with residents’ safety as the highest priority.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service placed the building under a prohibition notice after an inspection identified concerns dating back to when the former factory was converted 20 years ago.

Of the 60 people who had to leave the block, there were eight children, a heavily pregnant woman, a couple getting married next week, a man diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, and an army veteran with PTSD.

Ms Eason said residents received a letter from First Port in October 2023 which said fire works had to be done and there had been application for a government grant for new cladding approved in July.

But she claimed nothing had been done since.

“Most of us understand that we can’t live in a building that’s unsafe but if they’re saying it’s been unsafe since it was converted, why has it taken 20-odd years for somebody to tell us it’s unsafe?” she asked.

Ms Eason, who has been in a budget hotel since Friday, said she could only stay until Thursday because First Port would only authorise a couple of days at a time.

“Thursday morning, I’ve got to check out, try and go to work, and not know when I come back from work where I’m supposed to be sleeping for the night,” she said, adding people were struggling with their mental health and wellbeing as a result.

Residents were only being allowed back to their flats for 15-minute slots, she said.

“I haven’t got cooking facilities, I’ve got no laundry facilities, I haven’t even got a fridge.”

Ms Eason claimed recladding work originally booked for last year had been deferred twice and was now scheduled for January, to be completed by May or June.

“My understanding is there is a bit of a bunfight about who’s going to pay for it, who’s responsible,” she added.

A statement issued by First Port said: “We understand how disruptive this situation is for residents. However, this action was taken with their safety as the highest priority.”

The firm said its immediate focus was on securing short-term accommodation for affected residents.

It said: “At the same time, we are actively working on longer-term arrangements.”

The company said talks were continuing with stakeholders on next steps and specialist contractors were conducting surveys this week to better understand the structure of the building.

The statement said: “These assessments will help determine what safety measures are required to allow residents to return home and establish a clearer timeline.”

First Port does not own the building and is the managing agent appointed by the Resident Management Company (RMC) to act on their behalf.