Flammable cladding removal begins on fire-hit flats

Building work to remove flammable cladding at a fire-hit block flats has started.

Nearly 300 people were evacuated from Mosaic Apartment in Slough on 22 August, with many spending months in hotels and temporary accommodation.

Residents have told the BBC they are scared to live in the flats, with one handing in her two-month notice period.

The freeholder of the building Wallace Estates, said: "The works to remove the ACM cladding on Mosaic Apartments began on Monday and is set to finish in April."

Rekha Raju gave birth two weeks ago, but has handed in her notice saying she wants to leave as soon as possible for the safety of their newly-born son.

The family has purchased a house and will move on10 March.

"If the paper work is done tomorrow I will move out tomorrow, I really don't want to be here," she said.

"I am so scared to be in here. My husband has now started working, if there is an emergency I will have to rush by myself with my baby."

Mr Hoti, who asked that his first name not be used, owns his flat with his wife and says the incident and the financial impact has delayed them making a family.

"I am stuck with a property which I am struggling to pay for," he added.

Mr Hoti says with the cost of service charges, ground rent and mortgage rates he is living "pay check to pay check".

"I can't sell it because no-one is going to buy it and I lost £20-30,000, or even more, in value.

"They have put our lives on hold."

A spokesperson for Durkan, the original freeholder, said: "The permanent cladding solution for the Mosaic Apartments is currently being designed.

"In the meantime, we are removing the ACM cladding and installing a temporary weatherproof solution."

You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.