Residents told to leave £15mm block of flats over 'fire risk'

RESIDENTS of a £15m Manchester city centre apartment block have been told to move out after the building was deemed a severe fire risk.

- DAMON WILKINSON

Hundreds of tenants at Skyline Chambers on Ludgate Hill in Angel Meadows have been put up in hotels after being given the shock news on Friday afternoon.

In a letter seen by the M.E.N. from Greater Manchester's chief fire officer, Dave Russel, headed 'Urgent action required' they were told a recent investigation had found the risk of 'fire spread' in the internal courtyard was 'very high' adding: "A recent fire risk appraisal of the external wall means the understanding of the fire risk has changed." In the letter, Mr Russel added: "I am of the view that the risk to residents is so serious that the premises ought to be prohibited." From noon on October 20, a prohibition notice will be served on the flats, making it illegal to live there until work has been carried out to make the building safe.