‘Utter disgrace’ Residents stuck after burst water tank floods flats
AMAJOR leak in a tower block has left some residents trapped in their homes with no lights and unable to use lifts.
Brookridge House in Henbury had a burst water tank on Friday which resulted in multiple flats being flooded, and residents’ belongings and Christmas presents “destroyed”.
One woman says her mum was on the 14th floor of the over-50s accommodation when a “tsunami” of water from a burst tank flooded her “whole flat”.
Some friends and family of Brookridge House residents said the elderly who live there haven’t been able to leave because the lifts are out of action.
Sue-anne Nuttall says her mum lost all her carpets and furniture due to water damage, and hasn’t had a dehumidifier issued even though her flat was “one of the worst hit”.
“There are people without proper lighting and people that cannot get out of their property,” she said.
“A 75-year-old man was stuck yesterday unable to manage the stairs, and there are many more in this situation. They’re living in wet and damp conditions. It’s an utter disgrace.”
Another woman said: “some residents have been unable to get out of their flats for days now. The community is trying their best but this needs to be sorted ASAP.”
Brookridge House in Henbury is a council-owned property.
A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “We have been in regular contact with all the residents of Brookridge House since the incident took place on Friday afternoon, and have been providing regular welfare checks for vulnerable residents.
“All residents who needed temporary accommodation were offered it, however, the one couple who wanted to move were unable to due to the lifts being inoperative, and we have been in regular contact with them since.
“Residents whose properties have been most affected by the water have been provided with dehumidifiers. Contractors have been on site regularly since Friday.”
Housing officers were set to return to the flats on Monday to update residents.
A fundraiser has been set up asking for donations of furnishings including curtains, blankets and lamps which have been destroyed by water damage.
It reads: “So many have lost so much already, it’s their home, their goods so if anyone please could help in any way will be much appreciated.”