Ipswich Cardinal Lofts: Fire-risk block of flats to be fully evacuated

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said structural issues with the Ipswich waterfront flats were "significantly worse" than first thought

Residents of a block of flats deemed a safety risk have been told to leave their homes as the fire service enforces an "immediate evacuation".

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said it had been left with "no option" but to issue a second prohibition notice for Cardinal Lofts in Ipswich after further risks came to light.

Some 100 residents were asked to leave in February.

The building's freeholder, Grey GR, has been approached for comment.

New information revealed structural issues at the property were "significantly worse" than first thought, the fire service said.

Toby Gray, the fire service's area manager for prevention and protection, said the state of the building posed a "danger to occupants and put firefighters and the waking watch at risk of serious injury or death in the event of a fire".

"It would be highly irresponsible for us not to enforce an immediate evacuation of all floors," he said.

"We are disappointed on behalf of residents that the fire service was not fully informed about structural issues at the property.

"Had we been made aware of these dangerous defects when the first prohibition notice was issued, months of uncertainty and confusion for those living at Cardinal Lofts may have been avoided."

The fire service said the building's freeholder, Grey GR, was responsible for the evacuation and providing alternative accommodation for residents.

Tenant Adam Mackintosh said there had been a "lack of communication" about alternative accommodation

In November, the top three floors of the building, on Foundry Lane next to Dance East on the waterfront, were evacuated but surveys revealed the entire building had a potential fire risk and the lower six floors were evacuated in February.

Earlier, Adam Mackintosh, who has been living in a hotel since he left his flat, said communication issues with the freeholder were "extremely frustrating".

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The BBC has approached Grey GR for comment in relation to the evacuation.

The company previously said it was "committed to remediate Cardinal Lofts" and apologised to residents for disruption.

Cardinal Lofts (the red-coloured block) on Foundry Lane, is next to Dance East and The Mill tower block on Ipswich waterfront, and has 70 flats