Fire fears force residents out of marina flats in hours

People living in an apartment block overlooking a marina have been forced to leave after serious fire safety concerns were found during checks.

Those in all 40 flats at Sundowner Court on Channel Way, Southampton, were given letters on Saturday by the building's new management company.

The review by HMS Property Management Services Ltd (HMS) and the fire service found the building at Ocean Village needed critical fire safety work.

Residents had to leave the flats by 19:00 GMT.

HMS said the residents had been put up in hotels and given a £50 per day food allowance and internet connection for one week.

The letter delivered to the residents stated the fire safety risk at Sundowner Court was "substantial given the fire safety defects identified".

It added should a fire break out at the luxury block it had the "potential to spread and develop beyond the room of fire origin, through compartmentation failures and risk of fire spread through the external wall".

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said it was alerted by the building's management company on Friday "to some serious fire safety concerns".

The fire service said: "New information had highlighted immediate risks to resident safety in the event of a fire.

"We understand this situation will cause significant disruption, but we support the management company's decision to prioritise resident safety."

The property management company added in the letter to residents: "At present we have no further details but will write again as soon as we know more.

"However, you can expect to be unable to live and sleep at Sundowner Court until further notice.

"Future accommodation will be based on serviced apartments and similar. We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to all residents."

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.