Sirocco and Mistral residents evacuated from flats

Those living in buildings Sirocco and Mistral at the marina development are the latest to be struck by the shock news.

A letter was pushed under doorways at 4pm on Tuesday by Barratt Redrow telling residents they need to leave in stages over the next two weeks.

The development firm said an issue with the fire protection of the steel frame in the blocks needed to be investigated and fixed.

But it is unlikely other buildings in Ocean Village will need vacating.

This comes only months after residents of Sundowner Court had to leave within hours of being alerted of the same risk in February.

'Dire situation'

Claire Nailor is among residents affected (Image: Claire Nailor) Claire Nailor bought her flat in Mistral in 2011 and has lived there ever since.

The 41-year-old said she bought the flat so she could walk to and from the city centre for work, something she may not be able to do in temporary accommodation.

“If I am moved too far out of the centre, I will have to buy a car which is an extra expense”, she said.

“This is something that has been rumbling on for a while and we know our building, like Sundowner Court, has cladding issues.

“But the cladding work revealed the issues with the steel beams as it is not fire safe.”

Claire said that while news of evacuation was not completely unexpected, but having to uproot her life is a shock.

READ MORE: Residents at two Ocean Village blocks told to move out over safety risks

There are 114 apartments in Sirocco and 62 in Mistral, with Sirocco residents having to leave before June 22, and those in Mistral by June 29.

Keith and Diane Jones, both 69, live in neighbouring building Sirocco after moving in eight years ago.

He branded the situation as “dire” and added: “We are not wanting to live somewhere, in our retirement, without our possessions, wherever that may be.

“What are we going to do as nearly-70-year-olds, live in a hotel for five years?”

The affected flats in Ocean Village (Image: John Ruddy) A timeline is yet to be given by Barratt Redrow as uncertainly shrouds how long residents will be out of their homes for.

The development firm apologised for the disruption.

A spokesperson said: “We are working closely with the Managing Agent to support residents and provide temporary serviced accommodation, at no cost to them, and are working hard to ensure the buildings are remediated as quickly as possible.”

'Vital residents are informed'

Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen, has already held urgent meetings with the developer and property manager.

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He said: “While I recognise that this evacuation is needed due to safety issues, it’s vital that residents are kept informed and receive regular updates on when their homes will be made safe for them to go back to.

“My team and I will do what we can to help residents, and I would urge anyone who feels that they are not receiving the support they need to contact me so I can raise this directly.

“While the most pressing priority is ensuring that this situation is resolved as quickly and safely as possible, this does also yet again underline the urgent need to deal with wider issues around building quality and fire safety."

“I will continue to raise these with government ministers and in Parliament so that residents see the action they expect and deserve.”