THURROCK councillors have been told that just nine families have so far returned to their homes in the Brisbane House tower block in Tilbury, which was evacuated after a flood in November.

Repairs to the worst-affected flats in the 15-storey, 64 flat block could take weeks.

While some tenants returned just before Christmas, most remain in temporary accommodation.

Councillors on Thurrock's Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee were told on Tuesday (6 January) that repairs have been completed on 24 flats across the first six floors. Electricity and water have been restored throughout the building, and one lift is now operational.

Claire Demmel, Thurrock Council's interim director of place, said: "Residents in these flats were given the option to return before Christmas. Nine households moved back in, while others chose to remain in temporary accommodation until the New Year. Support was provided, including heating engineers, caretakers to clear spoiled food, and portable heaters to warm homes quickly."

However, the return process was briefly disrupted when a minor leak occurred after water was switched back on. A bath tap left open in an evacuated flat caused flooding in other homes and communal areas, though damage was minimal and repairs are underway.

Currently, nine households have returned, three remain in hotels, and 34 are in temporary accommodation. More residents from floors one to six are expected to move back this week, with floors seven to 12 scheduled for reoccupation from January 19, subject to electrical checks. The upper floors, which suffered the worst damage, will be assessed individually.

Ms Demmel praised housing staff for their efforts. She said: "They have worked over and above what would be expected to get everyone home as quickly as possible."

The council says it continues to work with insurers and contractors to complete repairs and ensure homes meet safety standards.

At a meeting in December, committee chairman Roy Jones described the situation as "horrendous," adding: "It's dreadful to think of what people went through that night, especially so close to Christmas."