Ipswich's MP says those living in Cardinal Lofts have paid a "high price" due to the building safety crisis.

On November 15, 2022, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service issued a prohibition notice, restricting access to some parts of Cardinal Lofts in Foundry Lane due to a fire risk. 

 

The town's MP Jack Abbott has been involved for several years in addressing the issues of residents and said the last two years had many of those affected "in limbo".

Jack Abbott MP expressed concern for residents left in limbo.Jack Abbott MP expressed concern for residents left in limbo.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Mr Abbott said: "We have seen the human cost of the Building Safety Crisis in the high price that residents in Cardinal Lofts have paid due to years of industry and government failure.

“Many people were left in limbo and this dreadful anniversary will be painful.

"I am engaged with stakeholders to resolve this situation, as well as working hard to find a way forward for all the other buildings in Ipswich affected by this crisis.”

Cardinal Lofts residents were asked to leave the block in November 2022.Cardinal Lofts residents were asked to leave the block in November 2022.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Meanwhile, the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government states that they have been in regular contact with Cardinal Lofts' freeholder Grey GR to ensure residents are provided with temporary accommodation.  

They also note that the freeholder is currently in the process of buying out leaseholders due to the extensive, uneconomic and disruptive work required to remediate the building.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said a Prohibition Notice remained in force on Cardinal Lofts, with an Enforcement Notice outlining remedial works that are still required on the building for it to be safe for people to use.

“SFRS is committed to working with those willing to address fire safety issues, but as an enforcing authority will not hesitate in taking action if it believes it necessary to do so.”

He had previously invited housing minister Matthew Pennycook to meet with Ipswich residents.He had previously invited housing minister Matthew Pennycook to meet with Ipswich residents.  (Image: Ipswich Labour) Mr Abbott along with his predecessor Tom Hunt have often spoken about the cladding issues affecting buildings across the town.

The current MP has previously brought then shadow minister for housing and now housing minister Matthew Pennycook to Ipswich to meet councillor Chu Man, then Cardinal Lofts resident Alex Dickin and leaseholder for St Francis Tower Ross Bonner.

Mr Abbott said it was important to bring the frontbench minister to town because of the number of residential blocks that have had issues with cladding or flooding in the town.  

During this week, further news has been announced giving residents in flats at Churchmans House in Portman Road and St Francis Tower new hope.