Ocasa Homes issue update after block of flats evacuated

A block of flats was evacuated yesterday after reports of a "water leak". Residents of Willow House on Maple Close, Seaforth, owned by Ocasa Homes, were told to leave their flats following "health and safety concerns related to electrical systems".

In an email seen by the ECHO, Ocasa Homes requested all residents "relocate" to the Mercure Hotel Liverpool. The email stated residents should "pack essential items for a three-night stay and proceed to the Mercure Hotel".

Tenants were told to refrain from returning to Willow House for the next three days while investigations were carried out to "determine the leak's cause". Residents were also assured Ocasa would cover the accommodation costs until Thursday, November 14.

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Residents told the ECHO yesterday (Monday) how they were "disgusted" with the way they have been treated by Ocasa Homes. One resident, Molly, 23, told the ECHO they have had leaks since last year, despite the block of flats being "freshly renovated" when they moved in last June.

Molly said: "We had no lights for a week until they got us an electrician. The waste pipe leaked into our flat through the ceiling. Every time we phone nothing is done. We are sick and tired of this place.

"We were supposed to have an inspection and nobody came. We went on holiday, and I was on the phone to Ocasa worrying about what state we were coming back to. And after that I was just worried the whole time. We came back to all the mould. We're out of here out the end of the month, we've bought a house instead. They tried to offer us a month's free rent to sign a 12-month contract to stay. It's an absolute joke."

Ocasa Homes have now said they have successfully identified the source of the leak. Residents living on floor six and above are able to return to the building tonight, except for three or four flats where shower trays need to be replaced.

An Ocasa Homes spokesperson said: “We have now successfully identified the freshwater overflow pipes as the source of the leak in the building, and we are communicating the outcome to tenants this evening.

“Everyone on floor six and above can return to the building tonight, except for three or four flats where shower trays need to be replaced. Flats on floor five below have undergone substantial works today to address leaks across one side of the building. Additional work to another side will be completed tomorrow.

“Once these repairs are done, follow-up restoration and clean-up work will be carried out and we expect this to be finished by the end of Monday. At that point tenants will be able to return to their flats, though cosmetic redecoration works may still need to take place after they get back.

“Returning residents continue to have free access to the Mercure hotel until Thursday if for any reason they can't return home tonight and will also receive food vouchers at £15 a day during this time. Those tenants who need to be out of their flats until the start of next week will have access to an Aparthotel with cooking facilities, and will also benefit from food vouchers.”