Residents yet to return to flats over safety fears

Dawson House was evacuated last week over fire safety concerns

People evacuated from a block of flats due to fire safety concerns do not know when they can return to their homes.

Dawson House in Billingham, near Stockton, was cleared on Thursday evening after a safety inspection found smoke might not be able to be safely extracted from emergency exits during a blaze.

Households were initially told they would need to leave for two to three days while further work was carried out, but now housing group Thirteen has said it "can't be certain how long" it will take, but it knows it "will not be a quick process".

Temporary and permanent alternative accommodation has been offered to residents.

Matt Forest, Thirteen's chief executive, said: "It is in the best interests of customers to not be within Dawson House during the evolving ongoing assessments of the building.

"We appreciate this is unsettling for customers and we are doing everything we can to support them to move.

"To ensure the process is as stress-free and straightforward as possible, Thirteen will cover all moving costs."