Milton Keynes tower blocks to be demolished and rebuilt

Mellish Court in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, is one of two tower blocks set to be demolished

Plans to demolish and rebuild two tower blocks which failed fire safety inspections have been approved by a council.

Last year the fire service found Mellish Court and The Gables in Milton Keynes needed "significant" improvement works.

Some residents have already been moved into alternative accommodation.

Emily Darlington, from Milton Keynes Council, said it was "not an easy decision".

The councillor, who is responsible for housing, said around half of the residents had moved out and the rest should be rehoused by October.

She said she was "fairly confident" the council would not have to use compulsory purchase orders and would demolish the buildings by the end of the year.

"We are speaking to the community about what will replace it," she added.

Kirsty Piper, who has lived in The Gables for nine years, said the problems at the block had got worse over the last five years

Mellish Court in Bletchley is an 18-storey block consisting of 136 flats while The Gables in Wolverton is 11 storeys with 59 flats.

The council organised inspections of the two blocks after a "small" fire at The Gables, and in anticipation of expected changes in government building regulations.

'Anxiety and stress'

It found they did not meet current standards to "prevent the risk of smoke and fire spreading between flats and floors".

Milton Keynes Council said the work required on the 60-year-old buildings would "not provide value for money", and a consultation with residents showed 80% agreed with the plan to demolish and rebuild.

In 2019 all balconies at Mellish Court were "locked off" after concrete began falling from them.

Tina Walsh said Mellish Court did not meet current fire safety regulations

Resident Tina Walsh, who lives in Mellish Court, said her six-year-old daughter had asked if they could "lock the doors" so they did not have to move out.

She added: "I understand why we have to moved out, it's just shame that building wasn't look after throughout the years better."

Kirsty Piper, who lives in The Gables with her 10-year-old son, said she was "happy with the decision".

She said there were "many problems" with the tower block but the impending move had caused "anxiety and a lot of stress".