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Private block evacuated over fire safety concerns

Residents of a privately owned block of flats in Bradford have been evacuated over fire safety concerns.

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Appleton Point in Bradford (picture: Google)
Appleton Point in Bradford (picture: Google)
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Private block evacuated over fire safety concerns #ukhousing

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) issued a prohibition notice for Appleton Point on Wednesday – meaning the building can no longer be occupied.

The fire service said it has taken action over “serious concerns” about fire safety in the block – including the lack of an alarm system and compartmentation breaches.

It added that while there is cladding on the building, this is not the main issue.

Neither Bradford Council nor WYFRS would confirm who owns or manages the building.


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Appleton Point was built in 2014 as student accommodation but has since become occupied by a range of household types.

An enforcement notice was issued on the block in 2016.

Local paper the Telegraph & Argus reported that 120 people were evacuated with just 15 hours’ notice.

Bradford Council said it is arranging alternative accommodation.

Dave Walton, deputy chief fire officer at WYFRS, said: “We realise that it is a very upsetting time for people and that the impact on residents’ lives, work and comfort is considerable.

“The residents’ safety is our upmost priority and we take our responsibilities to enforce fire safety very seriously.

“A prohibition notice, which means the building can no longer be occupied, is a last resort and is not a measure taken lightly by the fire service.

“However, where the fire safety measures within the building are insufficient to such a degree, we have no other option.”

He added that the service’s investigations may lead to legal proceedings.

Alex Ross-Shaw, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transport at Bradford Council, said: “We understand how distressing this must be for the residents and what a terrible situation they have been put in through no fault of their own. The safety of the residents is the highest priority.

“Bradford Council officers are on the scene ready to give any assistance needed, from answering residents’ questions, reassuring and arranging any help they need, including providing alternative accommodation.

“We are supporting the fire service in their work to ensure that residents are safe and that their distress and inconvenience is kept to the minimum.

“The council is working with those in control of the building to ensure they keep residents informed and to encourage them to carry out the necessary safety improvements as soon as possible.”

Update: at 4.39pm, 15.02.19

WYFRS sent the following update, in which Mr Walton said: “WYFRS is pleased to note that all residents have acted promptly in respect of our findings, and we are now satisfied with the current situation with regards to occupancy of the building.

“We await further contact from those responsible for the building in respect of remediation works and are committed to working with them to facilitate as rapid a return to normality as possible.

“When we become aware of serious fire safety issues like this we are legally and morally obliged to act immediately, which is why we were unable to give more notice to residents that they would have to move out.”

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