RESIDENTS in a Basildon block of flats have been left “fearing for their safety” as they wait for dangerous cladding to be removed.

Owners of flats at the block on Morello Quarter on Cherrydown East have said they feel trapped in their own homes as they wait for developer Weston Homes to begin works on cladding replacement.

Weston Homes agreed in 2022 to carry out work to remove the potentially dangerous cladding but so far work is yet to start.

Unsafe - Estrella GarciaUnsafe - Estrella Garcia (Image: Michael Robinson)

Worried residents have spoken out after the publication of a 1,700-page report on the Grenfell tower fire which claimed 72 lives in 2017. A host of recommendations have been put forward to avoid future tragedies, and residents in Morello Quarter have spoken out on the impact the delay in work is having.

Sonia Hurndell claims skyrocketing insurance premiums have left her unable to sell her home and the value of her property has fallen by £30,000.

She said: “My mental health has gone through the floor. It’s unsellable, we can’t sell this. I fear for my safety here, I do not sleep properly anymore.”

Sleepless - Sonia LiffenSleepless - Sonia Hurndell (Image: Michael Robinson)

Jennifer Viccars, volunteer director at Morello Quarter Residents Management Committee, said: “It’s a very challenging place to live. We fear for our lives. As well as Grenfell, other buildings made from similar materials have gone up in flames, and we could be next.

“The insurance premiums have gone up by 2,000 per cent, the fire alarm costs are extortionate and the flats can’t be bought, sold or remortgaged.”

Estrella Garcia, 32, has lived in the flats for five years but said: “It’s not safe. We are still waiting for cladding works to be started. We pay £1,000 for a one-bed flat. Nothing has happened. People can’t get a mortgage. People can’t move out.”

A spokesperson for Weston Homes said: “Weston Homes has committed to carrying out and covering the cost for the remedial work at Morello Quarter, which will deliver the standard of safety required by the Building Safety pledge. Weston Homes are aware of the urgency residents wish this to be resolved and our team is ready to commence the works.”