Barbourne Works: residents on ground and first floors can return
Temporary arrangements are still in place for those living on the second and third floors
A number of people who were forced to leave their apartment block due to fire safety concerns are being allowed back home.
Residents of Barbourne Works in Worcester were evacuated earlier this month.
Now people on the ground and first floor can return to their properties.
Temporary arrangements are still in place for those living on the second and third floors.
Read more: Worcester building evacuated over fire safety concerns
In a statement, Worcester City Council updated residents, by saying: "First Port have sent written communication to all residents today via their online portal and e-mail system, outlining the latest position with regards to the partial reoccupation of the ground and first floors, and ongoing temporary arrangements for residents of the second and third floors.
The key points are as follows:
- All residents should read the communications referred to above as soon as possible and if you have not received this communication, then please contact First Port as soon as possible
- As of 4pm on 17 June residents of ground and first floor can return to their properties, subject to the details set out in the letter
- As of 17 June, First Port will become the single point of contact regarding ongoing temporary accommodation matters, on behalf of the Residents Management Company and the Freeholder
- Worcester City Council has shared with First Port, contact details of those residents who the council has accommodated, to ensure First Port arrange for extension of hotel bookings past 17 June
- Worcester City Council’s role as of 17 June will shift to focus on supporting and signposting affected residents in areas such as health & wellbeing, and financial & welfare support
"As of 17 June, First Port will be the single point of contact for organising and managing temporary accommodation arrangements, for leaseholders and renters.
"Worcester City Council has shared the contact details for those residents it has accommodated between 4 June - 16 June with First Port, and they will be arranging to extend hotel accommodation where it is required (please refer to letter sent to all residents by First Port dated 16 June).
"The Council is aware that some households will have made their own accommodation arrangements, including staying with family and friends, and if you are unable to return to Barbourne Works Apartments as part of the partial reoccupation of the ground and first floors, it is advised to continue with those arrangements if possible."