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Ipswich tower block residents meet MP over 'worthless' flats

John Fairhall/BBC Ipswich MP Tom HuntJohn Fairhall/BBC
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said he would fight for the tower block residents

An MP has told people whose flats are blighted by structural defects in a tower block that he will try to meet the prime minister.

The Mill, on the waterfront in Ipswich, is the tallest building in Suffolk but has structural and fire safety issues.

Some leaseholders fear homelessness and have been told there are no funds to fix the defects. Conservative Tom Hunt met nearly 30 residents at a meeting earlier.

Administrator RSM UK, which manages the building, said safety was its priority.

John Fairhall/BBC The Mill in Ipswich as seen from aboveJohn Fairhall/BBC
Cladding and structural safety issues have been found at the tower block in Ipswich

"I hope my constituents who met with me today feel as though I'm on their side and I will fight as hard for them as I can," said Mr Hunt.

The MP said he would meet government minister Lee Rowley, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Michael Gove and would request a meeting with Rishi Sunak.

Richard Daniel/BBC Leaseholders attend a meeting about tower block The Mill in Ipswich.Richard Daniel/BBC
Nearly 30 people were at the meeting to hear from local Conservative MP Tom Hunt

Mr Hunt said the government should explore the idea of taking over the freehold and should investigate the building's original developer and freeholder - Wharfside Regeneration (Ipswich) Limited - which fell into administration in 2010.

The Mill is one of several tower blocks in Ipswich with fire safety and cladding issues, including St Francis Tower and Cardinal Lofts.

John Fairhall/BBC Rosalynn EnglishJohn Fairhall/BBC
Rosalynn English is angry about the reserves for remedial work that could run out next year

Rosalynn English, who has owned a flat at the Mill since 2013, said she was stuck with a "worthless" property she cannot re-mortgage or sell on.

"It's really worrying what the future holds," she said.

"I'm just so angry about the situation that's been allowed to go on for so long - that the money to solve the situation has disappeared and hasn't been used for the purpose intended.

Kirk Degiorgio, another leaseholder, added: "They've got to make it right. This can't be left to the leaseholders to fend for themselves."

John Fairhall/BBC Kirk DegiorgioJohn Fairhall/BBC
Kirk Degiorgio said he wanted a solution from the meeting

RSM UK said last week it was "actively seeking assistance from central government to help us access further funds" and was looking at options for a potential buyer.

A government spokesperson said it was working with administrators, Ipswich Borough Council and Homes England to find a "long-term solution".

The council and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service have deemed the building safe for current usage but it is being kept under review, the spokesperson added.

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