A tenant is facing a difficult battle with cancer while being away from his home, waiting for cladding work to commence after a year of delays. Josh Morris, a 49-year-old homeowner, was evacuated from his flat in Skyline Chambers, Manchester, a year ago due to serious safety defects. Despite the urgency of the situation, the remediation work has yet to begin, leaving Mr Morris in a temporary flat just 50 metres away from his own property.
Recently diagnosed with skin cancer, Mr Morris is now forced to undergo treatment away from the comfort of his own space. Expressing his frustration, he shared, “It makes the situation extra prevalent for me because this is when I want to be in my own space, with my possessions, in my own bed. I’ve lost the liberty of having that. If this had been terminal then the probability is that I would never see Skyline Chambers again because I wouldn’t be able to live there again. I would be dead.”
The building safety issues at Skyline Chambers came to light following the Grenfell fire in 2017, which prompted inspections revealing multiple safety hazards such as flammable insulation and timber on external walls. Subsequently, in October 2023, the decision was made to evacuate the entire building, comprising 107 flats, due to further safety concerns.
Mr Morris, among fifteen former residents temporarily rehoused nearby, is frustrated with the lack of progress. He highlighted the financial strain, saying, “I’m still paying my mortgage. I’m still paying exorbitant management fees.” Despite his efforts to salvage some personal belongings, a significant portion of his possessions remains inaccessible in the uninhabitable apartment.
Wallace Estates Ltd, the freeholder responsible for Skyline Chambers, cited delays in government funding and planning as hindrances to the remediation process. However, they asserted that neither the current building owners nor residents were accountable for the safety defects that exist.
Responding to the situation, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government emphasised the need for building owners to address safety concerns promptly. They vowed to take enforcement action against those failing to rectify hazardous conditions. Amidst the challenges faced by residents like Mr Morris, efforts to expedite the remediation works at Skyline Chambers are imperative for the well-being and security of those affected.