Mark Davies, Worcester Socialist Party
Following a fire risk assessment, the residents of a block of flats, Barbourne Works, in Worcester, were given only an hour to pick up what possessions they could, before being evacuated at 9pm to a local sports centre hall. All 60 residents found alternative accommodation that night. But there is no indication when the necessary remedial work will take place that will allow the residents to return.
Firefighters identified defects dating back 20 years, defects introduced when the building was converted into flats. These defects involve cladding made of aluminium composite and timber – both are flammable.
Residents are justifiably frustrated with the sudden, significant, and likely lengthy disruption to their lives. But they are also rightful in being angry that they’ve unknowingly been living in unsafe, potentially life-threatening conditions for many years.
The property is managed by FirstPort. The company claims to cater to the needs of their customers’ homes. Surely those needs involve, as a top priority, the home being safe from the risk of fire.
This situation is part of the continued ongoing cladding scandal, exposed by the Grenfell Tower disaster. The government and the construction industry has failed to address it.
£36 million profit
Instead, the company is part of a group that made £36 million profit. FirstPort, and others like it, are ripping residents off, raising service charges.
Property management companies like FirstPort should be brought into public ownership, with no compensation for the fat cats. The Labour government should fund local authorities and fire services to carry out immediate inspections and remedial safety work.
Building management responsibilities could be performed by properly resourced councils, in the interest of our communities and our safety, rather than profit.
