Hundreds on estate forced to leave homes over fire safety
INVESTIGATION BEING MADE OVER POSSIBLE RISK TO RESIDENTS’ LIVES
AROUND 1,000 residents living in a Brentford estate are being forced to leave their homes immediately due to fire safety fears.
Housing association Notting Hill Genesis has apologised to those living in the six blocks at the Paragon Estate for the “huge disruption”, as experts have ordered an investigation to take place at the site following concerns residents’ lives are at risk.
The majority of the 1,059 flats on the estate are home to students from the University of West London.
Notting Hill Genesis has announced a safety review to fully establish structural and fire safety issues that have been uncovered.
The discovery comes as a series of safety checks were carried out at the development, looking at building performance issues and cladding-related concerns following the changed government guidance since the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
A spokesperson added the housing association has already taken action to address the risks, such as temporary alarms and introducing evacuation plans, but that latest advice from experts has forced the drastic measures.
Notting Hill Genesis group chief executive Kate Davies said: “First, I want to say how sorry we are to residents that we have had to take this action and disrupt their lives.
“But as a not-for-profit housing association, our priority is to provide safe, affordable housing. We always ensure the wellbeing of our residents, so while we are incredibly disappointed to have to make this decision, we believe that we have no choice but to ask people to leave their homes on the Paragon estate.
“I understand that Paragon residents may feel angry or alarmed by this news, as they have every right to be. This is a very distressing time and we are genuinely sorry for the huge amount of disruption and uncertainty that this situation will cause.
“This is a complex situation and we don’t yet have all the answers.
“We are working to uncover the full extent of the issues at Paragon so that we can provide residents with clarity about timescales, next steps and options as quickly as possible.”
Ms Davies added that safe accommodation is being provided for everyone to move into this week and that financial support is also being offered to help residents with the move.
Caseworkers have also been assigned to each resident to support their specific needs for now and “for the longerterm where necessary”.
It is not yet clear how long residents are expected to live in alternative accommodation.
Aside from student accommodation, the blocks are also a mix of shared ownership leasehold homes and reduced market rents.
Hounslow Council and the University of West London were contacted for comment.