Evacuated flat residents will not be home for Christmas
Michael AlexanderResidents who were evacuated from a Kent tower block in May due to flooding that cut off power have been told they will not be able to return before the end of 2026.
An additional flood at Miller Heights in Maidstone on 9 October has damaged new electrical equipment causing power to remain off and a "further setback in the recovery," building managers Centrick told residents in a letter.
Michael Alexander, whose wife is a leaseholder at the property, said residents were feeling outrage at "anyone who's been involved in this project".
In a statement, Centrick said: "We recognise the significant impact the ongoing situation at Miller Heights continues to have on residents and their families."
GoogleA prohibition notice was served on the building on Lower Stone Streetafter the flooding incident in May, preventing anyone from living or sleeping at the premises.
Since then, residents have been living in hotels, other temporary accommodation or with family.
Stuart Jeffrey, leader of Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), said: "It's absolutely devastating for residents and landlords alike.
"They've still got possessions in those flats that they can't access and now they're going to miss Christmas."
In the letter to residents, Centrick explained that further flooding had happened in the basement, escaping from a water storage tank into the electrical equipment room.
It said this would constitute a fresh claim for insurance, which leaseholders are responsible for.
They would also have to continue to pay service charges and other sums relating to the property while it was empty, Centrick added.
Alexander said the excess for the last claim was £1,700 per flat.
He and his wife, who rent out her flat as they were unable to sell it, are also having to pay for alternative accommodation for their tenants.
He said leaseholders were feeling "frustration, there's pain, lots of vulnerability, lots of helplessness".
Michael AlexanderA spokesperson from Centrick said: "The investigation into the circumstances of this latest incident remains ongoing.
"We are also in discussions with the relevant parties regarding the associated costs and will confirm the position to leaseholders as soon as we are able to do so.
"We understand the continued uncertainty and disruption this is causing, and we remain focused on progressing the recovery works and keeping residents and leaseholders informed as further information is confirmed."
