Families in fire-hit Meir flats face being homeless for 'many months'
Residents at a fire-hit block of flats may not be able to return to their homes for 'many months'. The two-storey block, on Henderson Grove, Meir, was evacuated in the middle of the night after the building was engulfed in flames.
A nearby primary school's reception area was turned into an emergency shelter for those affected. Some residents remained there this afternoon.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has confirmed that it is likely that a small number of residents will be unable to return for many months due to the extent of the damage. It is now working 'extremely hard' to re-home these families into temporary accommodation in the city.
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Residents from less-affected properties in the building have been able to move back into their homes this afternoon, once the power was restored.
Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the council officers who acted quickly in the early hours of this morning to arrange help for those residents who have been affected by this terrible incident.
“Our officers are continuing to work hard today to support residents with everything from providing advice and reassurance to food vouchers, sourcing phone chargers, ensuring they have access to medication and ensuring they – and their pets - can be re-housed as quickly as possible. Two people received medical treatment following the incident and I would like to wish them well in their recovery.
“We will continue to assist Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service as they continue to make the area safe and investigate the incident, and would encourage anyone who has any information about the fire to get in touch with them by calling 101 and quoted incident number 63 of September 11.”
Firefighters from across the city, alongside paramedics and scores of patrol cars, descended on Brookwood Drive, at just before 4am. A man and woman were taken to hospital and a third patient discharged at the scene.
Staffordshire Police have revealed witnesses spotted individuals walking away from the scene at the time the fire started.
A force spokeswoman said: "We are investigating the cause of a fire at a block of flats in Stoke-on-Trent. The flats were evacuated and all residents are accounted for. Two people were taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation. Witnesses have described two or three people walking away from the flats, heading towards Lansbury Grove, at the time the fire started."
Police are appealing for witnesses. They should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.