Residents unable to return after tower block flood

Long-term support has been put in place for residents who had to leave their flats in a tower block in Kent after a basement flood damaged the electrical system.

A major incident was declared on Monday after a flood caused a power cut at Miller Heights in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone.

Maidstone Borough Council has said that the incident had been stood down, but that a longer-term recovery operation was under way.

After the flood, building inspectors from Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) identified several fire safety concerns and issued a prohibition notice on Tuesday to prevent anyone from entering the building.

The notice remains in force and means residents cannot return home until the building is confirmed safe.

The council set up a welfare centre, where 10 people stayed overnight, with a further five seeking support on Wednesday.

The centre has now closed because of low demand.

Councillor Stuart Jeffery said that the council understood how distressing the situation had been, adding: "Our focus remains on ensuring everyone is safe and supported."

Daniel Noonan, KFRS head of building safety, said: "The safety of the public is paramount, and we will continue to work with those responsible for the building to ensure any issues are resolved."

The council added that teams were continuing to work with emergency services, building management and technical specialists.

Miller Heights is owned by a third party and is not a council-owned site.

Arrangements have been put in place to allow controlled access for residents to collect essential belongings.

Representatives will be on site each day from Wednesday until 19 May, from 10:00 BST to 11:00 and 16:00 to 17:00.

Those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can contact the council for help.

The council also said that no resident would be left without support.

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