High winds have blown down an aerial and brought down the end wall of a block of flats in Portslade this afternoon (Monday 8 February).
Four people in two flats in Dudney Court, Windlesham Close, Portslade, have been told to find alternative accommodation until the damage can be assessed and repaired.
Brighton and Hove City Council said that the storm force winds had seriously damaged the three-storey block.
An official said: ““The upper and middle floors are now uninhabitable and (it is) doubtful if the ground floor will be either.
“There are other flats in the block and at the moment the utilities are connected and working.
“A safe haven is available to residents in a local sheltered housing block if required.”
A council member said: “About 60 per cent of the brick wall on the south of the building has collapsed.
“There is also a hole in the roof space where the interior wooden section has disappeared.”
The council’s housing maintenance contractor Mears sent staff and Sussex Police went to the block which contains six flats.
A neighbour said: “The council has cordoned off the block. They’ve told the people in two of the top flats – on the top floor and the first floor – they’ve got to find alternative accommodation.
“The council had been told that the aerial was too heavy for the wall.
“The people in the top flat and middle flat had been telling them ever since they put up the communal aerials and dishes they could hear them banging against the wall.
“The wall is only one brick thick. Eighteen flats are without TV now although two of those flats are not going to have anyone until they’ve been sorted out.”
“They’ve” got to find alternative accommodation? I think BHCC has to rehouse them temporarily doesn’t it?
Can’t believe what I just read the tenants have got to find there own accommodation I thought that was the council job to do that
So what was the outer skin that fell away tied to?
the council do a rubbish job, they waste money on new parks and fun days but not use the money to good use and their properties that need their attention. they are building more homes but paying less attention to home they already have and the tenants are suffering.