Sheffield flats evacuated over fire safety
There were issues with fire escape procedures, smoke ventilation and dangerous cladding.
Last updated 13th Dec 2020
35 flats in a Sheffield apartment block have been evacuated, because of fire safety concerns.
The North Bank building at Wicker Riverside failed a fire safety check that was brought in after the Grenfell Tower disaster.
Inspectors found issues with fire escape procedures, smoke ventilation and dangerous cladding.
Residents of the top five floors of the ten-storey block were told to leave on Friday evening (11th December).
They're being provided emergency accommodation, but they've been warned they might not be allowed back home until the end of next week.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: "Whilst this was a difficult decision to make, especially so close to Christmas, our priority has to be the safety of residents.
"Our inspectors will continue to work with the building owner to support them in resolving the issues to enable the notice to be lifted."