PEOPLE living in a block of flats in Bradford were told to leave after “risks that pose a real threat to lives” were uncovered.
A bombshell letter, headed ‘do not ignore’, was delivered to those living in the Laisteridge Lane flats on Monday, warning them of the damning catalogue of problems.
Residents speak of their despair as they leave unsafe block of flats
It said that Hill and Standard Developments Limited had gone into administration.
“Since their appointment, the administrators have engaged agents to carry out a health and safety review of the property.
“This together with inspections carried out by the City of Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have identified risks that pose a real threat to lives.”
The letter residents received listed a lengthy number of concerns:
-The smoke alarm system for the property is compromised and is not considered fit for purpose
-The property does not have sufficient fire-resisting measures
-The property does not have adequate escape routes in the event of a fire
-The property does not have adequate emergency lighting
-The fire extinguishers at the property have not been regularly tested and maintained
-The electrics at the property are generally in a poor state of repair, increasing the risk of electrocution and fire
-The property does not have certified or reliable gas heating and occupants are therefore at risk of cold-related illness
-The property is unhygienic and the state of the property is likely to contribute to the spread of infection
-The water supply within the property is likely to contribute to the spread of infection
-The water supply within the property has not, to our knowledge, been tested for quality purposes
-The property is not secure against unauthorised persons and is therefore at risk of intrusion
The letter added: “In light of the above, the administrators consider that the property poses a real risk to the lives of any occupants and the administrators hereby request that you voluntarily vacate the property immediately and seek alternative accommodation.”
Eyewitnesses said they saw hundreds of people piled in the car parks.
A spokesperson for the University of Bradford said: "The University of Bradford, which does not own or recommend the flats, said any affected students have been offered three months of free accommodation at a university hall."
Jamal Ishfaq has been living in the property for two years and has watched the building decline.
He said: “Before lockdown, it wasn’t too bad, but during lockdown it seemed as though there were a lot of cuts to cleaners and maintenance people.
“The electrics in the building are terrible and it’s just not up to standard.
“We do deserve better than this but it’s alright for me I’ve got somewhere else to go but some of these people have nothing and no one.”
Another resident of the building came home on Tuesday and found the letter under his door.
He said: “They want us to voluntarily evacuate the building but where are we supposed to go.”
One man who contacted the Telegraph & Argus said he went to help his relative move out on Monday.
He said: "They were coming out in droves. There were taxis, vans, all sorts waiting outside. It was unbelievable. I asked the security guy what was happening, and they said they're condemning it and everyone must go.
“My brother-in-law has been there six years and we can't find him anywhere else to live at short notice.
"It's got all walks of life living there, including some of Bradford's more vulnerable people. It's not right what's happening to them."
If you've been affected by the evacuation of this building please get in touch with us at: Newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk
A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We are working with the University and the administrators of this site to find alternative accommodation for the residents of the student village after serious concerns were raised about the fire alarm system and the safety of the site.
“The council’s Housing Options service has been on-site since Monday morning, identifying non-students and offering help and advice. So far around 60 people have contacted us, the majority of which are single persons in employment.
“Our Private Sector Letting Team is working with private sector landlords to rehouse the majority of these residents in new tenancies. There are a few families with children and vulnerable people, who are being assessed to determine what extra support they need.”
A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have been working with those responsible for Laisteridge Student Village, Bradford, with regards to fire safety issues identified within the blocks.
"These issues have been the subject of an Enforcement Notice and included deficiencies with the compartmentation, defects with fire doors and emergency lighting. During this time the building had an operational fire alarm and detection system which ensured that the premises could continue to be safely occupied.
"At the end of last week we were made aware that the fire alarm was no longer operational, through consultation with those responsible for the premises and Bradford Council we agreed to the introduction of a waking watch.
"This measure enables residents to continue to safely remain in the premises, however we have been advised that arrangements are being made to rehouse occupants in alternative accommodation as those responsible for the waking watch are not able to sustain it beyond Monday, March 28.
"We are continuing to work with the owners and local authority to ensure that residents are safe during this period.”
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