'We deserve better' - residents speak of their despair as they move out of unsafe block of flats

Earlier today, the T&A reported how a bombshell letter, headed ‘do not ignore’, was delivered to those living in flats at the Laisteridge Lane Student Village, warning them of the damning catalogue of problems.

Shocked residents told to leave flats as 'life-threatening' safety issues uncovered

When we visited the site, a number of residents - including students and members of the wider community - were gathering their belongings and leaving.

Some students, far from home and experiencing life in another country for the first time, seemed bemused by the whole sorry scenario.

A 35-year-old international student from Nigeria had only lived in the building for three weeks, but paid £900 in cash for 18 weeks of accommodation.

Like many residents, she doesn’t know if she will get any of her money back and doesn't know how to start the process of trying to claim a refund. 

Jamal Ishfaq

Meanwhile, 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."

He said he had now managed to secure a new home, but pointed out that many of his former neighbours had struggled to find new accommodation at such short notice.

Residents returning to collect their belongings

One man, who was helping his brother-in-law move out, said they had been unable to find him an alternative affordable home, but were still desperately looking.

He added: "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 "