A FAULT in a rainwater pipe has been identified as the cause of flooding at a Grays tower block.

Earlier this week residents of Butler House reported standing water in communal spaces and a lift shaft.

There was some concern expressed that the flooding might be related to ongoing cladding work but this is not the case says the council which issued the following statement: "The leak was caused a fault in the lining on the rain water down pipe which has been identified and work has already taken place to remove the faulty lining and replace it, thus fixing the issue

"The leak affected three flats in the block which had minimal flooding and was largely confined to communal areas and a lift shaft.

Works to repair the pipe lining have already taken place and repairs teams were at the block on Thursday using aquavacs to remove surface water and leaving dehumidifiers overnight to clear dampness, particularly in the lift shaft which was the most severely effected area. Repairs teams visited all three flats to help them, including using aquavacs.

"Housing officers knocked on every door in the block to check on the welfare of residents and see what assistance they could offer.

"In one case officers bought milk and bread for a particularly vulnerable resident. By the end of the day letters outlining what had happened and the work taking place to make repairs was delivered to every flat in the block.

The flooded first floor landing.

Officers returned again on Friday (4 November) to once again check on the welfare of residents."

There were social media reports in the week of flooding at Perth House in Tilbury but the council says it received no reports of any problems.

Cllr Luke Spillman, cabinet member for Housing, said: "The fault at Butler House has been identified and rectified. Our housing team were on the scene quickly and made sure that they spoke to all residents that were at home to ensure that they knew what had happened and see if they required any assistance.

"Issues arising from the leak were mostly in communal areas, although there were limited water issues in three flats. Members of our housing and repairs team offered help to all three as well as ensuring all residents in the block were okay. Additional help was given to the three flats affected by the leak to help remove surface water.

"Letters explaining the situation and action taken have been delivered to all flats by the end of Thursday 3 November and officers returned to the block on Friday morning to once again check on the welfare of residents

"Unfortunately faults of this nature do occur from time to time. Thankfully in this case there was minimal damage. The housing team acted quickly and effectively to repair the fault and provide an offer of assistance to all residents of Butler House, Grays."