Council must find 200 new homes for families forced to move out of Milton Keynes two unsafe tower blocks

Mellish Court in Bletchley and The Gables in Wolverton have both been found lacking in modern fire safety standards.

Mk Council is currently considering whether to attempt to renovate the buildings or demolish them and build new housing on the sites. But either option would mean tenants have to move out, council officials have confirmed.

"The council has been contacting residents and encouraging them to put in applications to move and will continue to work with residents to find homes that are right for them and their families," said a spokesman,

On December 1, officers will make a formal decision about the buildings' future and will begin consulting tenants and leaseholders.

Experts are currently carrying out assessments of the work needed to bring the buildings up to the modern fire safety standards. Meanwhile, to ensure residents are safe, the council has provided 24/7 wardens at both blocks.

Cabinet member responsible for housing, Cllr Emily Darlington said: “We’re looking at the best options for the future of Mellish Court and The Gables, which we have been discussing with residents. I’d like to thank the residents for their contributions so far, and we’ll continue to work together throughout the process.”

But Conservative councillors are far from happy the problems were allowed to develop in the first place with the tower blocks.

Tory group leader Cllr Alex Walker said: "The Labour Council have known about the fire safety issues in these buildings since 2016. The concerns have been well documented.

"In the four years since, they have promised and failed to invest in fire safety upgrades including basic measures such as sprinklers, and as a result, left families and children at risk."

He added: "Council tenants will now pick have to pick up the huge costs thanks to a Labour Council that has kicked the can down the road on fire safety and that is unacceptable."