Southampton skyscraper residents stranded in unsold flats

Work on removing decking materials on balconies and terraces and replacing them with fireproof alternatives was due to begin in September, but this has been postponed.

Barrett Homes had told residents the work would take around 12 months.

The builder has now told the BBC that a new contractor and fire engineering company have been appointed to carry out new investigations.

The company said they would start next week to determine what works would be required before submitting the plans to the Building Safety Regulator.

No comment was made about the delays.

Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey met with homeowners and said he was appalled that people had to live in these conditions for so long.

“Water enters through smoke vents and damages houses, this is unacceptable,” he said.

He said ministers would meet with developers next week to ensure faster progress on remediation works.