RESIDENTS returning to Tilbury's flooded Brisbane House tower block continue to report problems and disappointment at the state of their homes but the numbers of occupied flats in increasing slowly - with more resdients expected to make their way home from temporary accomodation tomorrow (Friday, 2 January) and over the weekend.

Earlier in the week Thurrock Nub News reported on the thoughts of one resident who returned to her flat to find water on the walls and mould on skirting boards and furniture.

Amanda Keltz said: "I went to see my flat today and I'm honestly beyond angry and disappointed.

"It is still not liveable. There is mould throughout the flat. Water is still running down the walls. The ceilings are mouldy, my brand-new skirting boards are already covered in mould, the windowsills are mouldy, and the flat is ice cold."

Complaints about the cold have been echoed, with one resident adding: "It's freezing, my heating is on full, but it just doesn't keep the flat warm at all, using so much electricity on plug in heaters but as soon as you turn them off it's freezing again."

Another told how she had spent £100 in a week on electric trying to keep her flat warm.

Thurrock Council has issued the following statement: "The council takes any concerns raised by our residents seriously. Our priority is ensuring that all homes in Brisbane House are safe, secure, and suitable for living. Extensive repairs and safety checks have been carried out following the flooding, and additional works are ongoing.

"Members of our team were onsite while residents were returning to offer support and answer any queries.

"We are continuing to work closely with residents to address any issues as quickly as possible, including providing support for heating and carrying out further checks where needed. Any resident experiencing problems after moving back into their home should contact their designated Tenancy Management Officer immediately so we can work to resolve them."

Some residents have thanks the council workers for their support, including helping taking away ruined materials and spoiled food from freezers, while others have been urged to report any faults as soon as they find them to staff in the concierge on the ground floor of the building.

A number of residents have expressed concerns about the state of electrics in the flats and that they are only being tested after they move in – and in some instance repairs have taken more than 24 hours.