Block residents told to move out over fire risks

People living in a further two apartment blocks at a marina development are being asked to move out of their homes after fire safety concerns were found.

Those living in the Mistral and Sirocco buildings at irals Quay, on Southampton's Ocean Village, are being asked to leave in stages over the next two weeks.

Development firm Barratt Redrow said an issue with the fire protection of the steel frame in the blocks needed to be investigated and fixed.

In February, those living in the 40 flats at Sundowner Court, overlooking the marina, also had to leave.

It was also within hours of getting an evacuation letter from their management firm after fire safety concerns were also found during checks.

There are 114 apartments in Sirocco and 62 in Mistral.

Residents at Sirocco have been asked to move out first by 22 June, and those living in Mistral by 29 June.

Barratt Redrow said a phased move out - rather than immediately - was possible as round-the-clock fire patrols known as a 'waking watch' were in place at the buildings.

David Rogers and his wife Stella sold their family home on Tuesday and were decorating their flat when, about two hours later, they got the letter informing them that they would need to leave.

They have owned the flat for many years and Mr Rogers said he was given no indication of any major issues until this week.

"[The Grenfell Tower fire] happened a long time ago now and yet we are still here waiting to find out what's happened," he said.

"This could have been done months ago and we probably wouldn't have sold our family home then."

Apologising for the disruption, a Barratt Redrow spokesperson said: "We are working closely with the managing agent to residents and provide alternative accommodation, at no cost to them, and are working hard to ensure the buildings are remediated as quickly as possible."

It comes after an inspection at neighbouring block, Sundowner Court, found the block's steel structure was not fireproof.

Engineers who carried out the survey told the building's management company that, in the event of a serious fire, it would have been in danger of collapse.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said: "Following fire safety issues previously identified at Sundowner Court, additional intrusive surveys were carried out on neighbouring blocks.

"These have highlighted similar risks to resident safety in the event of a fire within the Sirocco, Mistral and Ranger buildings.

"In response we have met with Barratt Redrow to review the findings and proposed mitigation measures."

The fire service said while those in Sirocco and Mistral were being moved out, residents of Ranger, a low-rise block, will be allowed to remain with the additional waking watch in place.

The fire service said: "We understand this situation will cause significant disruption, but in cases like these our primary concern is always the safety and wellbeing of those living in these properties."

A RMG (Residential Management Group) spokesperson said: "Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, and we are working closely with Barratt Redrow and its relocation provider to engage with residents and them in any way we can, as they temporarily relocate.

"We will continue to keep residents updated throughout this process and beyond."

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