Upon entering Willow Rise, the pungent smell of damp permeates the air. Water stains mar the carpet, and the doors show signs of rot. A patched-up hole in the wall, barely covered by a piece of polystyrene sheet, greets visitors around the corner. In Kirkby, Merseyside, we are scheduled to meet a resident on the 13th floor of this dilapidated building. However, the broken lifts and exposed wires in the service panel mean that, like all residents, we must navigate the stairs.
The state of disrepair in this block is glaringly evident. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has declared it so unsafe that a rare prohibition notice is imminent, mandating immediate evacuation of Willow Tower and its neighboring building, Beech Rise. A total of 160 households face the harsh reality of sudden homelessness.
After a strenuous climb up 13 flights of stairs, we encounter Chris Penfold-Ivany, a resident battling terminal cancer. His only means of reaching his flat now is by ascending those stairs, as the broken lifts render other options inaccessible. The dire conditions have left him breathless, unable to receive essential prescriptions due to delivery drivers refusing to climb the stairs. Chris laments the neglect that has plagued the block over the past decade, comparing the situation to the tragic events of Grenfell Tower.
Further down the building, Arunee Leerasiri welcomes us with tears streaming down her face. The stress of recent weeks has taken its toll, with boxes scattered around and empty hooks on the walls where pictures once adorned. She is in the process of packing up her life, a heartbreaking task after investing her life savings into purchasing the flat just three years ago. Tonight, she and her elderly mother will sleep on the floor, as they await the inevitable call to vacate their home.
A video filmed by Arunee reveals water cascading through the ceiling onto electrical equipment, emphasizing the hazardous conditions within the building. The proximity of water pipes and electric boxes poses a severe risk, with rusted, high-voltage boxes adding to the danger. The lack of safety measures and accountability raise serious concerns about the habitability of these dwellings.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s efforts to enforce repairs have been futile, with a lack of funds hindering necessary improvements. The looming threat of evacuation underscores the urgency of the situation. Knowsley Council’s temporary intervention through a «waking watch» patrol provides a brief respite, but financial constraints loom large.
Amidst the chaos, the residents are left in limbo, uncertain of their fate. Discussions with central government about additional assistance offer a glimmer of hope for a resolution to this crisis. For now, all they can do is wait, grappling with the fear of displacement and the uncertainty of finding a safe haven.
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