Residents of L&Q (London & Quadrant Housing Trust) properties in the Elephant and Castle area of Southwark in London, are being moved from their homes while work is being carried to replace dangerous cladding.

Tenants and leaseholders have been informed that they must move out ‘as soon as possible’ into paid for accommodation but as yet, there is no timeframe for when work will start or a likely finish date. In addition, residents are not being guaranteed housing within their local area.

The Trust, which has allocated £50 million towards fire safety work across all its properties, contacted residents early in May to inform them of the decision to relocate, informing them that as well as the removal of the cladding, other repairs and buildings works would be carried out at the same time.

"Investigations are ongoing as to the full detail of the scope of works. You will not be charged for the costs of these works," residents were told.

The Trust maintains that its number one priority is the safety of residents and that is why it has taken action to ensure that all the buildings meet safety standards in line with the latest government advice.

A spokesman for the Trust said: “As part of this action plan, an independent fire engineer visited the property and identified a number of issues with the external wall system which need to be addressed.

“Based on expert advice, it is necessary to move residents out as soon as possible.”

In the meantime, L&Q has employed 24-hour fire marshals.

Source
Southwark News