Risk of apartment block collapse forces evacuation

Residents of a housing complex have been ordered to leave their homes after surveyors warned part of the building could be at risk of collapse.

People were asked to leave Evolution Cove in Plymouth on Friday evening after engineers discovered damage to key structural beams in the 64-unit apartment block.

Property manager Centrick said temporary accommodation had been provided and a more enhanced structural back-propping system would be installed in the building.

It said the works were expected to take about four weeks and thanked residents for their "understanding and patience during this challenging time".

Residents were told to pack essential belongings, including medication and important documents, as access to the building would be restricted throughout the works.

Centrick said it understood the disruption but stressed the move was necessary for safety.

Property owner Grey GR said the building was undergoing a programme of repair work to address fire safety issues.

Engineers had previously identified cracks in structural beams within the building's car park but further investigations found they were worse than expected and could cause collapse.

A Grey GR spokesperson said: "Grey's top priority is the safety and wellbeing of residents.

"We have asked residents to evacuate Evolution Cove as a precautionary safety measure following advice received from our structural engineers on 20 March.

"We have provided alternative accommodation and are working with residents to ensure they make use of this for their own safety."

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