Cardiff tower block residents warned flats are 'major concern' fire risk
A Cardiff apartment block has been described as a "major concern" fire risk in an email to residents.
In the email, the manager of one of the blocks in Cardiff Bay says "internal and external fire stopping compromises" have been recently identified.
It also says that if the fire service could not be satisfied that their requirements were being implemented, they would place a prohibition order on the block and all residents would have to leave.
Residents have also said they have been told not to use their balconies for safety reasons, and one resident says they are concerned the apartments have been left unmortgageable.
The concerns relate to the 15-storey Vega block of the Celestia development in Cardiff Bay, a development of more than 450 flats. It is not clear whether other blocks within Celestia have the same problems.
Parkmans, which manages the site, says it is working with the fire service to put in place a personal emergency plan for those affected.
Overlooking the waterfront of Roath Basin and within easy walking distance of the Wales Millennium Centre, the Celestia development in Falcon Drive was completed in 2006.
It is understood South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has raised concerns about a number of defects in the building, but that these do not include flammable aluminium composite material, which is thought to have contributed to the Grenfell disaster.
In the email sent on behalf of the directors of Celestia Management Company Limited (CMCL), leaseholders are told that CMCL has spoken to the fire service "on numerous occasions" and on August 16 was asked to meet with Welsh Government officials.
It says the fire service "expressed major concern with Vega, in particular, as a result of the internal and external fire stopping compromises recently identified".
And it adds: "CMCL were informed that if the fire authority could not be satisfied on the implementation of additional interim requirements requested the same day they would place a prohibition order on the apartments and all residents of Vega would have to vacate the block."
The letter goes on to say that fire service was satisfied with the interim measures imposed and that for the time being "only people with restricted mobility are prohibited from occupying the building", adding that fire services would be undertaking further audits on the remaining blocks at Celestia shortly.
It then tells residents: "We strongly recommend that you arrange for your internal smoke alarm system to be checked and tested to include an inspection of the expiry date on the smoke detectors, that you carry out an electrical condition report and portable appliance tests for those rented apartments."
In a statement, the fire service said it was aware of the issues identified and was working with partners.
"This has resulted in enhanced safety measures being put in place," the statement said.
A meeting of Welsh Government officials and the developers will take place in September, the email says, adding further information on remedial work would be issued shortly.
In a statement, Parkmans said: "Laing O’Rourke were employed by Redrow as the principle contractors of a design and build contract, ARUP and Hayes Engineering were also appointed contractors.
"Due to the risks, the fire service verbally informed Parkmans that anyone with mobility issues were to have restricted access to the building known as Vega.
"It is our intention to continue to work with the fire service to put in place a personal emergency plan for those affected.
"Otherwise, Parkmans nor CMCL can comment further on the other issues you raise at this time, whilst we continue to engage with the interested parties to seek a resolution to the issues relating to the development."
The Welsh Government said: "Although the responsibility and enforcement powers do not sit with Welsh Government, we are working closely with the fire and rescue service, building owners and managing agents and Cardiff Council.
"Our first priority is the safety of residents and tenants and we are seeking reassurances that the appropriate interim safety measures are put in place immediately and a clear plan for long term mitigation is put in place as soon as possible.”
Matt Grayson, spokesman for Redrow, said that, despite not building or holding the freehold at Celestia, it was playing its part to address the issues that are being raised.
A Laing O'Rourke spokeswoman said: “Laing O'Rourke is in discussions with Celestia Management Company Limited as CMCL work through their investigations. We are unable to comment further at this time.”