The council is working with residents from Leamington House and Horatia House to move everyone to new homes over the coming months.
This is happening because structural reports have shown the concrete used in the original 1960s construction of the blocks is not as strong as expected. Work can be done to strengthen the buildings but not while people are living in them.
As the safety of residents is our priority, we are now working with residents to find suitable new homes. This process started in June 2018 and is expected to take until Spring 2019 to complete.
There is no immediate danger related to day to day living in the buildings, and it is safe for residents to stay while they are found new homes. We worked closely with colleagues in the fire service to make sure they are happy with the situation. They are satisfied with the measures being put in place and have confirmed that there is no change to their existing fire safety advice.
Leamington House and Horatia House had cladding removed following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. The problem with the concrete was found when detailed structural reports were commissioned as part of the work to decide what to replace the cladding with.
You will find more information in the files below, including frequently asked questions (FAQs) and letters that have been sent to residents. There are also copies of the structural reports for the buildings, these are quite technical in places so we have also provided an accompanying document to provide extra information to explain some of the areas in the reports.
Other tower blocks
There is no reason for residents in other blocks to be concerned.
We have five other blocks that are made from the same large panel system of construction that uses large concrete slabs. These blocks have all been tested and there are no concerns. We have written to residents of all five blocks: Tipton House, Edgbaston House, Wilmcote House, Nickleby House and Barkis House. The letters are attached below.
This issue does not affect buildings that are built using other construction methods, so if you live in any of our other tower blocks then you are not affected. We have written to everyone who lives in our tower blocks to provide some reassurance. A copy of the letter is attached below
Residents can get additional information in the following ways:
- visit our community information point in the housing office in the Somerstown Hub, which will be open:
– 8.30am to 8pm Tuesday 5 June to Friday 8 June
– 9am to 4pm Saturday 9 June
– 10am to 3pm Sunday 10 June
– normal working hours from Monday 11 June: 8.30am to 5pm on Monday – Thursday, and 8.30am to 4pm on Friday
- speak to your housing officer
- call our 24-hour helpline on 023 9284 1311
- email towerblocks@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
