Condemned tower block residents worried about moving

Residents in a council tower block in Brighton that is due to be demolished over safety concerns say they are worried about finding new homes.

St James' House in Kemptown is due to be the first of eight tower blocks to be knocked down across the city because it does not meet current safety standards.

That means more than 1,000 people will need to relocate from the 554 flats across the eight blocks.

Seventy-eight-year-old John Byrne, who has lived in St James' House for more than 40 years and said it was "wonderful", added: "Everybody has always been very friendly. I'm not keen to move, but I realise they have to do that."

John said a carer was helping him to look for a new flat.

Brighton & Hove City Council approved demolishing the blocks last July.

A cabinet meeting held on Thursday saw councillors approve the decision to go through with demolition and redevelopment, which will happen in the next five to seven years.

Another resident, Sarah, said: "I understand we all have to be moved out and yes we appreciate the council is doing all they can to help us.

"There are no two-bedroom properties for us to move into in this area. We can't afford to rent privately.

"It's only me and my neighbour on my floor. The others have already gone."

Structural surveys last year found the buildings no longer met current safety standards for withstanding a collapse in the case of an explosion or large fire.

The council looked at strengthening and refurbishing the buildings, but research found these methods would only guarantee their safety for 20 years.

The condemned blocks have also had issues with their boiler systems, meaning temporary boilers have been placed outside. There have also been issues with bed bug infestations.

Mum-of-four Chelsea Duke, who said she was living there in temporary accommodation, said: "I'm a bit scared, I work locally and my kids go to school locally, we could be placed anywhere in Brighton next."

The report being discussed recommends that initial demolition notices are served for each building, which would suspend any right to buy claims.

Once issued, each notice can stay in place for seven years to allow for planning, rehousing, and other steps before any redevelopment.

The rehousing programme will start with St James' House, followed by Nettleton Court and Dudeney Lodge, and then Falcon Court, Heron Court, Kestrel Court, Kingfisher Court and Swallow Court in Whitehawk.

Councillor Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing, said: "At the top of our agenda is recognising that these are people's homes. It is our highest priority to support residents through every step of the journey.

"We've held drop-in sessions on all the sites to allow residents to meet with officers in person and ask any questions that they might have.

"We will be hosting fortnightly general coffee mornings and evening drop-ins and continue to be closely involved with residents as plans develop, and their views will help shape the next stages of the programme."

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