Block of flats evacuated over fire safety concerns
The block of flats was evacuated following a safety inspection
- Published
A block of flats has been evacuated amid fire safety concerns.
Residents of Dawson House in Billingham, near Stockton, were asked to leave their homes on Thursday evening after a safety inspection found smoke might not be able to be safely extracted from emergency exits during a blaze.
The building, managed by housing group Thirteen, informed the 87 households to vacate initially for two to three days while further work was carried out.
One resident described the ordeal as "stressful", adding "it's too much".
The housing company said it had arranged alternative accommodation for its residents in a nearby hotel if they were unable stay with friends or family.
Matt Forest, Thirteen's chief executive, said: "We will never knowingly allow our customers to live in a property where there is any risk of this kind.
"We understand this is disruptive, but it is absolutely necessary."
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