DISPLACED residents forced to leave their homes in a Tilbury tower block have blasted landlords Thurrock Council for a lack of care, support and information after the building had to be evacuated because of a burst water tank.

As reported on Thurrock Nub News last night, homes in Brisbane House which is made up of 15 floors containing 64 flats were subject to flooding after a water tank at the top of the building burst.

Many flats have been reported by residents to have been completely soaked throughout, with furniture and electrical items rendered unusable. 

Fire service teams attended the incident and the water supply was cut off, which left neighbouring Freemantle House and Tasmania House without water as the pumps are located in Brisbane House.

Evacuated residents in Brisbane House were advised to try and find available accommodation with family and friends and some were offered shelter at Tilbury Hub and other council buildings. The council said it had set up a rest centre for anyone unable to stay with family and friends, and that vulnerable residents were being supported.

However, this morning (Thursday, 13 November), there were a deluge of condemnation for the council on social media platforms.

A common theme was a lack of maintenance at the building, with one woman recalling: "Tt's not the first time this has happened either. I lived on the top floor of these flats just over 10 years ago and the same thing happened leaving several of my neighbours' flats completely ruined."

Other residents confirmed their belongings were completely doused, one saying: "My boys' bedroom is absolutely soaked all the way through. Everything is ruined."

Many people said they have been disappointed with the lack of information and support from the council, one saying: "All we got was a number to call and when we did they couldn't help. It's been appalling.

"Another example of how bad this council is."

There have been a number of issues at the three tower blocks over recent years, particularly over the state of the lifts, the concierge area and problems with damp and mould.

One resident in the blocks summed it up by saying: "I say these flats should be knocked down and should've been done years ago."

A petition has been started today on the Change.org website, calling for the flats to be demolished. Details can be found via this link.

The petition organisers say: "For those of us who have lived here, our daily lives are overshadowed by the crumbling infrastructure and unsafe living conditions. These buildings are not fit for purpose, and yet, they remain, affecting the lives of countless families and individuals.

"The issues are many and varied. From leaking roofs to faulty electrical wiring, persistent dampness, and inadequate heating - these flats pose real risks to the health and safety of residents.

"Children are growing up in environments that are not conducive to their well-being, elderly residents cannot enjoy their golden years comfortably, and families struggle with the continuous cycle of repairs and maintenance.

"Statistics from the local council highlight the urgency of action. The maintenance requests have skyrocketed over the past few years, yet substantive action remains absent.

"Reports show that over 65% of residents have lodged complaints about structural issues, and a significant number have backed claims with medical reports pointing to ailments caused by poor living conditions.

"Despite these glaring issues, there seems to be a sense of inertia. The time to act is now. We propose a collaborative effort between local authorities, housing associations, and the community to plan and fund the demolition and rebuilding of these flats with structures that meet modern health, safety, and energy-efficiency standards."

Problems with Thurrock's tower blocks have been well documented over recent years in many Thurrock Nub News stories. The three blocks at Blackshots have now been emptied of residents and their demolition is planned to begin shortly. A new social housing development will replace them.

Despite the negativity about last night's events, there has been praise for local people who have stepped forward with donations of clothing, bedding and other materials.

Last night the council said emergency repairs would take place today but has not yet responded to a request for an update on the situation, not issued any further statements.