FRUSTRATED residents living in Basildon’s oldest tower block could be forced to move into temporary accommodation during repairs to a stairwell, it has been revealed.

Essex Fire bosses have told Basildon Council that in order for necessary repairs to a handrail to take place, residents in Brooke House, a 14-storey Grade II listed building, will need to vacate the building.

To replace the handrail, the staircase through the tower block must be taken out of action, leaving no safe exit for residents if a fire broke out.

Senior Basildon councillors have insisted the building is not dangerous, but there is “no way” of completing the work without closing the stairwell.

However, in a shock move council leader Andrew Baggott stated “a decision will need to be made” on Brooke House and that the council could consider changing the use of the building.

St Martin’s ward councillor Davida Ademuyiwa said: “There is some work to do with fixing the handrail, which isn’t really a significant repair. We are looking into the logistics of fixing this, which might mean closing off the stairwell.

“But we’ve been warned by the fire services that we will have to decant the tenants if the works block the fire exit, which is a big undertaking.”

The tower block consists of 84 flats, including council homes, privately rented properties, housing association flats and leaseholders.

Andrew Schrader, councillor responsible for housing, added: “We thought the handrail would be a nice, easy job. Unfortunately, there’s no way of doing it without closing the stairwell.

“The building is perfectly safe. It needs a bit of TLC but it’s certainly not dangerous.”

Brooke House was built between 1960 and 1962 and was designed to be the “centre-piece” of the vision to create Basildon as a new town.

However, in recent years it has been plagued by issues and residents have repeatedly complained about the standard of homes, issues with lifts and branded it a “health hazard”.

Council leader Andrew Baggott says Basildon Council has responsibility for the safety of its residents and a decision could be made on whether they return to the building at all.

He said: “We don’t want to worry residents unnecessarily. We need clear communications with residents. They need to know upfront if there is the slightest possibility of them not coming back at all. We must ensure residents are not left in limbo.”

Basildon Council’s press office has confirmed that further assessments are taking place as a matter of urgency and residents will be communicated with as soon as possible. 

A spokesman said “Brooke House is a safe building. 

“Residents are aware that we are required to carry out works to the external staircase.

“The council has very recently been advised by the fire service, that when the work is undertaken, we will need to decant the building. 

“We are currently undertaking further assessments and will update residents next week.

“The building remains safe.”