Sovereign Network Group moves new tenant into asbestos riddled Springhurst House in Greenham
At least one new resident has moved into a property known to contain exposed asbestos.
We reported in May the deplorable conditions at Springhurst House in Greenham, where cracked walls and collapsing ceilings have left asbestos exposed in the corridors and outside tenants’ flats.
We can now confirm Sovereign Network Group (SNG) has accepted at least one tenant into a flat within the past month despite the ongoing health concerns, which residents flagged more than a year ago.
Asbestos is classed as a category one hazard under The Housing Health and Safety Rating System, meaning it poses a serious health risk to tenants.
Landlords should make every effort to lower and ensure all tenants are aware of the risk.
A spokesperson for the social housing provider confirmed works to install stitching bars to repair external cracks and to add extra precautions for areas affected by asbestos are due to begin next week.
Its contractor will be “re-encapsulating” (enclosing) asbestos in the main entrance area, specifically the outer porch and internal hallway on Wednesday, July 23.
SNG said it understands the presence of asbestos can be concerning for its customers but said it has been carrying out immediate remedial and make-safe work wherever issues have been identified or reported.
It added: “There are three flats in the building which aren’t being let at present to provide access for the work.
“There are no plans to move residents out and any flats we let are deemed to be safe and acceptable for customers to live in.
“We always ensure a property is of a reasonable, habitable standard prior to letting to a new tenant, in line with our Empty Homes Standard.
“This follows thorough remedial work once a previous tenant has left the property.”
Amidst rumours of it delaying works to demolish the building, SNG resolutely stated it has no such plans and has currently found no evidence of structural movement within the building, which it has been monitoring for subsistence (structural damage caused by sinking earth) on a weekly basis since February.
West Berkshire Council environmental health housing officers have also visited the property.
A spokesperson confirmed the council has been communicating with SNG about the proposed maintenance and repairs.
While it would not further discuss the actions being undertaken by SNG, it did say: “The presence of asbestos in a building would not necessarily make a category one hazard under the Housing Act 2004.
“Asbestos containing materials are present in many buildings and pose a very low risk if they are not disturbed or damaged. There is no enforcement action planned at this time.
“In the event [SNG] decided to demolish a property, they would contact the housing team and notify them of the arrangements they were putting to accommodate existing residents.”
