DAMAGE caused by an arson attack at a block of flats in Forest Green has still not been fixed after nearly three months, say residents.

The fire at Highwood Court on Tuesday, March 28, is believed to have been started in large recycling bins at the front of the property.

Some of the exterior walls of the building, which is owned by Sanctuary Housing, were left with scorch marks stretching several metres.

These marks are still visible, windows have been boarded up with plywood and not fixed and the recycling area has still not been repaired, leading to problems with refuse.

The situation has been branded as ‘disgraceful’ by Nailsworth district councillor Steve Robinson.

“This situation has gone on far too long, we would never expect SDC tenants to live in a building in such a disgraceful condition,” he said.

“Sanctuary Housing needs to address these issues urgently and restore the building to an acceptable and welcoming condition.”

Because the recycling area is still out of use, bins have been placed close to the entrance but there is not enough space, with some waste being left on the ground, causing a foul smell.

Nailsworth’s other district councillor, Norman Kay, fears this could be classified as an ‘environmental hazard’.

In addition, concerns have been raise about fire safety.

One resident said: “None of the fire alarms went off when it happened, and there is only one fire escape – the front door, it’s terrifying.”

SDC leader Steve Lydon has written to Sanctuary’s Midlands director Jonathan Mullins to outline the concerns about repairs and fire safety.

“I and other councillors wish to register with you our unhappiness with the failure of Sanctuary to resolve this matter,” he wrote.

Commenting on the concerns, Katie Poole, South West operations manager for Sanctuary Housing, said: “We are looking to progress this work as soon as we can and do apologise to residents for the delay.

“A new fire risk assessment was carried out at the three-storey block following the fire and we will continue to liaise with the fire service to ensure the property is safe.

“We will be speaking to residents about the current refuse situation and will look at increasing the number of bins, and the number of collections, if there are issues we need to address.”

Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The fire at flats in Forest Green is believed to have been deliberate and could have put lives at risk. Inside the building each flat is fitted with suitable alarms which meet the required legal standards.

“We encourage residents to carry out regular tests on these to ensure they are in full working order and if not to contact the property management company.”

Police are continuing to investigate the blaze.

No suspects have yet been identified but if anyone has information they should call 101 quoting incident 231 of Tuesday, March 28.