Residents of Ocean Crescent face urgent safety measures due to fire risks
The building, which has 11 stories, was supposed to get its cladding replaced soon. But a recent inspection revealed some major concerns. Now, the car park is closed, and security staff are doing 24/7 patrols, costing a pretty penny each week.
People living there are understandably worried. They got the news just before Christmas, and now they’re anxious about safety and the potential costs of these patrols. With 124 flats and around 250 residents, including some with disabilities, the situation is tense.
One resident expressed frustration, questioning why they were allowed to live in such unsafe conditions. They wondered why proper inspections weren’t done earlier and why it took so long to address these issues.
In 2021, they found combustible materials in the walls, leading to plans for cladding replacement. But a recent survey revealed even more problems, raising alarms about how fire could spread inside the building.
The management company sent out a letter explaining that the internal structure has serious issues that could threaten lives in a fire. Following this, local authorities demanded immediate safety measures.
Starting December 23, a “waking watch” was put in place, meaning staff will patrol the building around the clock. The car park is closed because it poses a significant risk if a fire were to break out there.
Residents are now getting temporary parking permits to park nearby for free, but the cost of the waking watch is a burden. The management company apologized for the disruption and promised to figure out the necessary repairs soon.
However, residents are worried about who will foot the bill for these repairs. Many feel they shouldn’t have to pay anything, but they fear that costs will ultimately fall on them.
They’ve already paid over a million in service charges since fire safety issues were first discovered. The costs for insurance have skyrocketed, and there’s a lot of uncertainty about future charges.
One resident mentioned that while the council has allowed free parking at a nearby location for a limited time, they worry about the long-term parking situation. The council is aware of the issues and is trying to help with temporary arrangements.
Plymouth Block Management and the fire service have been contacted for comments, but the residents are left in a tough spot, hoping for clarity and safety in their homes.
