Ipswich Cardinal Lofts evacuated for being 'unfit for occupation', Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service confirms

A fire service has revealed why residents were evacuated from town centre flats yesterday.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said 15 apartments on floors seven to nine of Cardinal Lofts near Ipswich’s waterfront, were 'unfit for occupation'.

The presence of a single staircase for the top three floors presented a risk in the case of a fire, which led to the decision to evacuate the occupants, the fire service added.

It followed a report sent to the fire service raising concerns over the fire safety of the building.

The team had been working alongside Grey GR, the management company behind the block, and Ipswich Borough Council to improve fire safety systems in the building.

However, they still felt improvements could be made to make Cardinal Lofts fire safe.

They are currently working with the firm to provide alternative lodgings for those affected.

The team want residents from floor six and below that additional safety measures have been implemented.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service said: “With the safety of residents remaining a priority, we felt that it was in their best interest for us to issue a prohibition notice to the upper three floors of Cardinal Lofts.

“We are satisfied that a waking watch for the rest of the building will help with the safe evacuation of residents if there is a fire but will continue to keep residents informed if the situation changes."

In a tweet, the service added: "Issues in the upper part of the building means it is currently unfit for occupation."

"Our thoughts are with all affected residents, and we will continue to work to help the management find suitable alternative accommodation for those affected."