Westbourne fire: Residents still can't return home

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.

Property management company, FirstPort, told the Daily Echo that due to delays with the electrical contractors residents will not be able to return to the property as soon as expected.

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It was previously reported that residents of the side of the building not directly affected by the fire, would be able to move back into their flats between the end of February and the first week of March.

However, a spokesperson for FirstPort said: “While we are at the final stage of preparing the homes for residents to move back into, we have unfortunately experienced a delay with the electricity contractor, which is needed to restore full power to the building.

“The delay means that we have had to push back the move in date, with residents expected to be able to move in from mid-March.”

All bookings will be extended for the residents who have been staying in the Premier Inn next door.

Some residents are staying at the Premier Inn

The spokesperson added: “We know this extra delay will be frustrating for residents, but it is important that we only allow residents to return when it is safe for them to do so and when the full power is restored.”

READ MORE: Westbourne fire: Some residents to move home by end of month

An exact moving date is yet to be set but the lounge and library in Wellington Court have been reopened ahead of residents being allowed to move back in.

FirstPort has confirmed that though a number of people will be able to return home, some residents - in flats most severely damaged - will need to be out of their flats for much longer.