Evacuated residents criticise lack of information

Residents forced to evacuate their apartment block over dangerous cladding said they still do not know when they will be allowed home, more than a week later.

On 4 June, 60 people, including eight children, were told to leave Barbourne Works in Worcester after inspectors found dangerous fire safety risks.

Hotel bookings are only for a couple of nights at a time and one resident, Anne Eason, said she did not know from one day to another where she would be staying.

A spokesperson for the building's managing agents, FirstPort, said they recognised how disruptive it was for residents but their decision was taken with their safety in mind.

Ms Eason said the events of the past week have left her struggling.

"I feel mentally exhausted because every day you don't know where you are, what you're doing or what's going on.

"I worry about my own mental health because I've been going to work and I've been there physically - but I'm totally distracted by what is going on.

"They don't give you any updates or email you after five o'clock but you can't ring up and speak to anybody about the content of it."

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

" I'd like to see the government step in and not allow these organizations to treat us in such an inhumane way," Ms Eason added.

"We are people, we are human beings, yet we are not being treated as such."

Army veteran Chris Sherwin, 43, and Amy Hawkswood, 40, were also evacuated and are being housed at a hotel in Droitwich.

The couple are due to get married next week but Mr Sherwin said the stress of the situation had overshadowed what should be a memorable time.

"Our stay has been extended for another day but they can't offer us the same hotel that we are in tomorrow so there is a chance we will be placed further afield - we don't know what is happening," he said.

"We're getting married but we don't know if we will be able to do any of the plans we wanted."

He said since being evacuated, he has been back to collect belongings.

"I'm struggling with my mental health and the uncertainty is is crushing," Mr Sherwin added

"The day-to-day, fighting, to know when you're going to get your next hotel, is exhausting."

A spokesperson for the managing agent said they remained committed to working closely with everyone involved to provide "continued support and timely updates as we address the issues raised."

"Our immediate focus has been to secure appropriate short-term accommodation for all affected residents," they added.

"Responsibility for ongoing and longer-term accommodation costs rests with the other parties.

"Specialist contractors are undertaking surveys this week, to better understand the building's structure."

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