A resident who moved out of Cardinal Lofts at the start of the year has revealed he is currently having therapy to help him get over the stress he was under while being a homeowner at the evacuated building.
It's been two years since residents at the nine-storey building were told to leave their homes due to a fire risk.
Initially, a notice was given to residents that they wouldn't be back in the flats until January 2023 -two years on, residents are unlikely to return after repair works to the building were found to be "uneconomical" and "unviable".
Alex Dickin, who founded Ipswich Cladiators after the issues started, was formerly a resident in the flat, but was able to move out when he was offered a buyout offer at the start of the year meaning he no longer was a leaseholder or homeowner at Cardinal Lofts.
He said: "I found my offer was acceptable and suitable for me to get out of the crisis and move on with my life, because the building safety crisis just trapped you.
"I know some of my neighbours didn't find their offer acceptable and for a number of months now have been trying to negotiate that buyout offer.
"It's clear that some of my neighbours are still homeowners there, and are still trapped within that crisis even though the building has been condemned."
Mr Dickin spoke of the "huge relief" he felt to be able to get out of the Cardinal Lofts.
He continued: "For my friends and family, they noticed the relief on the outlook of life I have now.
"The crisis dragged on for a number of years and it was incredibly stressful. I am currently going through some therapy sessions in order to really process and manage my stress and anxiety following the crisis.
"It was great to get away from Cardinal Lofts, but I have needed to take a step back as I am now renting again. My income is going on renting rather than towards a mortgage."
Mr Dickin finished by saying that he often thought about his neighbours at Cardinal Lofts, hoping they can all find a solution with the building owner to be able to get out.
He said: "I have spent a few months away from the crisis, it's a huge difference and I really want my neighbours to reach that point as well."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel