RESIDENTS living in Basildon’s Brooke House tower block must be given a clear plan and “some peace of mind” if they have to move out during repair work, a councillor has insisted.
Maryam Yaqub, St Martin’s ward Labour councillor, says the council is showing a “complete lack of empathy towards residents who find themselves in a precarious position”.
It follows Essex Fire bosses telling Basildon Council that to replace the handrail in the Grade II-listed 14-storey building, which contains 84 flats, the staircase must be taken out of action and residents will need to vacate.
She has submitted a motion ahead of next Thursday’s full council meeting demanding a clear plan and reassurances for residents.
Andrew Baggott, leader of the Conservative-run council, says there is “communication with the residents and possible locations of where they could be temporarily housed are being looked at”.
Ms Yaqub said: “How can anyone go about their lives ignorant of when they'll suddenly be asked to upend their lives and move out?
“We've had mixed messages from the council.
“First, they said they'd decant the building after Christmas and then they said it could take up to two years.
“Brooke House residents deserve to have some peace of mind.”
She is asking for immediate action to safeguard the well-being of Brooke House residents who feel “neglected and forgotten by the council”.
Kerry Smith, Nethermayne ward Independent group councillor, says there needs to be a clear plan because the “state of Brooke House with water leaking through the roof and no heating on the top floor makes it uninhabitable”.
Jeff Henry, Conservative councillor responsible for health, wellbeing, leisure, arts and culture, said: “There needs to be a clear plan.
“This is the lives of many people, and it is a very serious thing.
“We need to ensure we are looking after and supporting our residents, and I know the councillor responsible for housing and the housing officers are doing everything they can.”
Mr Baggott added: “We’re working with the residents and talking to them about the possibility of them having to be temporarily moved out. Also, we’re looking at locations where they could possibly go to ensure the works to Brooke House can be carried out.”
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