A high rise block of flats have suffered for days without water as a leak completely shut the block down.

The 13 floor Blackdown flats in North Road, Westcliff, has seen its water supply, toilet facilities and lifts lost entirely after a leak beneath the block.

The exact cause of the problem has not been confirmed.

Anne Jones, deputy leader of the Labour group at Southend Council said that the lift shaft of the block, run by South Essex Homes (SEH) has been completely flooded.

She said: “The officers from SEH have acknowledged this is a really terrible situation and there needs to be a much better approach.

“We found out about the issue from the Balmoral Centre who have been working all through the night to keep the residents’ water supply going.

“The water is not the only issue however, there are elderly and vulnerable residents in this block and without a lift, they will struggle to get down to the centre to get water.”

800 litres of water was distributed to residents in the first 24 hours of the leak.

Mrs Jones added that schools throughout the area have been informed that some pupils may be “distressed” from the situation.

Although letters explaining the situation were delivered by hand to every resident in the block, Mrs Jones believes there must be improvements to how SEH deal with major issues such as the leak.

She said: “The senior team at the council this is unacceptable and I’m sure lessons will be learned from this.

“There needs to be an improvement coordination when incidents such as this happen.

“We need immediate response when it comes to major incidents and people who in an emergency, are easily identifiable to residents when they need support.”

Tony Cox, cabinet member for adults and housing, says: “Council staff have been supporting colleagues at South Essex Homes as they seek a swift resolution to this issue, ensuring that bottled water and alternative toilet facilities are available for residents.

“Emergency planning staff have been working with South Essex Homes on our joint response, and adult social care staff have been on hand to support and advise vulnerable residents as appropriate.

“I understand that South Essex Homes colleagues have been on site since they were made aware of the incident, knocking on doors, delivering letters and providing community support to those affected.”

Residents are advised to make themselves known to staff if they require any assistance, or call us on 0800 833160.