'They have a duty of care and they've failed big time'

Wellington Court, home to 62 elderly residents, was devastated by a fire that tore through a section of the building in Poole Road, Westbourne on December 16.

The majority of residents remain stuck in the Premier Inn though some have been given temporary accommodation elsewhere while the property management company, FirstPort, instructs contractors to repair the property.

Sue May, whose 88-year-old mother Norma Winfield lives at Wellington Court, said: “It’s just a catalogue of errors, everything they do [FirstPort] is wrong.

'There's no urgency'

“There’s no urgency to get the place repaired and in the meantime there’s all these old people that have had this trauma and this distress and the company that owns it just doesn't seem to care."

READ MORE: Poole Road fire: Residents face homelessness this Christmas

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Sue claims that she found out about the fire on the news and was not contacted about her mother’s whereabouts.

“No one had identified that my mum was vulnerable,” said Sue.

“I ended up bringing her to my house that night in nothing but her nighty, dressing gown and slippers - she didn’t even have her teeth in.

“They have a duty of care and they just failed big time.”

Wellington Court in Poole Road

Concerned for her mother’s wellbeing Sue, a paramedic practitioner, said: “It’s affected my mum massively, she’s had dreams about it.

“She just wants to go home and there is no sign of them going home because nothing is being done to that building at all.

“It incensed me the whole thing. My mum’s not okay and she needs to be back in her own surroundings ASAP.

“I’ve had enough.”

Councillor Karen Rampton, portfolio holder for People and Homes said: “It’s a concern that the residents, who have been displaced as a result of the fire at Wellington Court in Westbourne, have still not been able to return to their homes.

“We are continuing to support those residents who have been relocated to residential homes and temporary accommodation. As a result of the unexpected repair delays, we are arranging an informative surgery on Tuesday 25 January and Friday 28 January at the Premier Inn next door for residents. These will be continued if required. Officers from health, Adult Social Care and Housing will be on hand to offer further advice and support.

“Whilst FirstPort (landlord) is now responsible for keeping residents regularly informed of progress on the repairs of its building and for ensuring safe return to their homes, we are working regularly with them to support residents and make sure this can happen as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for the property management company FirstPort said: “Following the safe assisted evacuation of residents, contractors were on site and working on the building within 24 hours. Whilst considerable progress has been made, residents are unable to move back in until a new fire safety system and resident emergency call system has been installed.

Premier Inn, Poole Road

“Work on a temporary roof started on 17th December as an interim measure, until forensic officers completed their investigation which allowed us to install a more suitable temporary roof. We are pleased that weekly moisture readings over the past 3 weeks show that the building is drying out.

“We understand how difficult this is for residents and over the next week, as more work and tests are completed, we will have a better idea on timescales which will enable us to review the temporary accommodation. We will continue updating affected residents and doing everything we can to support them.”

Families have contacted MP Conor Burns for his assistance on the matter.