TWO blocks of flats in Pitsea have been found to have flammable cladding with concerned residents demanding immediate action.

An investigation was launched following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and revealed Aragon Court and Cleves Court, off Station Lane, Pitsea were found to have the cladding on the exterior of the buildings, just below the roof.

The buildings are owned by Genesis Housing Association and consist of approximately 200 flats.

Linda Allport-Hodge, Basildon Council’s chairman of the infrastructure, growth and development committee, said: “Aragon Court and Cleves Court are Genesis Housing tower blocks in Pitsea.

“Following testing by building regulations it was found both blocks have been fitted with combustible cladding. Genesis advised us the outcome of the inspection was expected. Because of the isolated location on the top floor of the blocks precluded risk of vertical spread urgent intervention wasn’t needed.

“The council is aware and we are attending to it in a proactive way.”

But residents spoke of their shock and called for action. A mother-of-two who asked not to be named, said: “I had no idea that the block of flats contained the dangerous cladding and I find it upsetting and stressful. I am surprised that the people who built these homes thought that it was acceptable to do this.

“It needs to be brought to the attention of more people and I think something needs to be done now before we have another dreadful fire like the one at the Grenfell Tower in London.”

A father-of-three who also wished to remain anonymous said: “I had heard rumours about this but try not to think about it. I am very worried about the safety of my family living here and think that needs to be accounted for. I can only imagine that my neighbours feel the same about the situation.”

Kerry Smith, chairman of the housing and community committee at Basildon Council, called for more power to be given to councils.

He said: “The laws need changing to give councils more authority over the materials that are used for private construction developments.

"Basildon Council is aware of this and is in discussions with the landlords of the properties. The council is here to help any residents if they need to be removed from the homes, which is not the case at the current time. I would like to offer some advice to residents living in these homes, which includes the basics of fire safety such as making sure their smoke alarm is working.

"We will not see issues like this with council run properties or developments but I am unsure about other private developments in the borough.”

A Genesis spokesman said: “In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, Genesis Housing Association carried out tests to the cladding materials on blocks of six storeys and above across its portfolio.

“The tests have shown that parts of the external cladding used in panels on portions of Cleves and Aragon Court in Pitsea have failed the new test set by Government. 

"Genesis has taken all appropriate actions recommended by Ministers and the fire brigade including placing 24-hour Fire Monitors on-site to patrol and reassure residents, made sure that all relevant Fire Risk Assessments are up to date and all fire precautions are in place and are functioning effectively.

“We are not currently planning to remove the cladding from the buildings until updated Government guidance is provided by the Department for Communities.  

“We have written to residents to reassure them that their safety is – and will remain - our top priority. We will continue to keep them informed throughout this process and thank them for their continued patience.”