The publication of the report into the Grenfell Tower tragedy has been watched closely by those in Ipswich whose lives have been blighted by problems with cladding over the last seven years.

Tower blocks that have been built or refurbished in the town over the last 25 years have come under the spotlight because many have had similar cladding to that at Grenfell.

Some flats have been declared unsafe and have had to be abandoned in an emergency. Others like St Francis Tower have been wrapped in plastic for years as contractors struggle to remove the potentially dangerous cladding.

The Ipswich Cladiators was set up to give a voice to leaseholders and tenants whose lives have been shattered over the last few years.

Claire Hamblin, from the Cladiators, said: "All our thoughts go out those who lost their lives or their homes in the Grenfell disaster - the whole report really shows how dangerous places like this are.

"I'm one of the lucky ones - but for nine years I was living in a flat at Cardinal Lofts that could have gone up like this at any time until we were all told to get out by the fire service as a matter of urgency."

Flats in Cardinal Lofts were evacuated because of fears over fire safety.  (Image: Newsquest)

Her flat is set to be bought back off her by the owner of the flats - but across the town there are leaseholders and tenants still waiting for decisions to be made.

She hoped the issues would soon be resolved, but still had concerns - partly because the ownership of some of the buildings remained confused after some developers went into administration.

Jack Abbott called for more action.Jack Abbott called for more action. (Image: House of Commons) Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said it was important to speed up moves to ensure there could never be a repeat: “The Grenfell inquiry report is as sickening as it is heartbreaking.

"Profit was put before people, and this led to 72 people losing their lives, with every death entirely avoidable.

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. They deserve justice and action, so that no other family should ever suffer this tragedy ever again.

“I recently wrote to the government regarding the ongoing building safety crisis in Ipswich. Far too many people have been left in limbo, not knowing if they are safe, not knowing whether they will lose their home.

“I will work with the new Labour government to ensure there is finally meaningful change in the wake of this report. After years of negligence, our response must be swift and decisive.

“The new Labour government must, as promised, ensure those responsible for the building safety crisis pay to fix it.

"I will work with the government to fulfil our manifesto commitment to strengthen building regulation, better protect leaseholders from costs, and accelerate the pace of remediation across the country.”