Hundreds face losing their homes after Knowsley flats declared unsafe

ITV News

2 days ago

ITV News' Emma Sweeney has been speaking to those affected by the closure of more than 160 homes.
Hundreds of people face being forced out of their homes after the fire service declared two tower blocks unsafe.
The 160 households at Willow Rise and Beech Rise at Kirkby in Merseyside have been told they will have to leave within weeks.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service says it had no choice but to serve a prohibition notice.
The long running wrangle comes after years of problems at the flats with residents complaining of mould, broken lifts and leaks.
Christopher Penfold-Ivany, 53, lives in Willow Rise and is having treatment for cancer.
'Right now, I don't know where I'm going to live, but before that, I don't know how I'm going to move – how can anyone move because the lifts don't work and there's lots of people's belongings here such as furniture," he said.
'The thought of moving is very very stressful and could have a serious impact on people's health. We've been plunged into uncertainty and we're all effectively being made homeless.'
Knowsley Council - which does not own or manage them - says responsibility has changed several times since 2017 with different management agents being appointed but only remaining involved for short periods.
The latest company to take on that role two years ago claimed it tried to make improvements but inherited a development that had suffered from years of neglect.
Now MFRS says it is not safe for people to live there because 'essential repairs' have not been carried out.
They will have to move out as soon as a temporary safety measure is withdrawn.
A spokesperson said: "We understand that this is disruptive and unpleasant for residents, however all other options have been exhausted and the safety of residents is of paramount importance. "
The council is in the process of contacting all residents to offer support, which could include emergency re-housing.
Cllr Graham Morgan, leader of Knowsley Council, said: 'These residents have been let down and neglected for years by the various private sector companies involved in the ownership and management of these buildings.
'They have been allowed to deteriorate into a terrible condition, with false promises made about repairs that have never materialised."