Removing cladding from Portsmouth tower blocks '˜will cost millions'

Removing cladding from two tower blocks in Portsmouth is expected to '˜cost millions' of pounds, the city council's leader has said.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jun 2017, 11:40 GMT
Updated 18th Jul 2017, 08:24 GMT
Cladding being removed from Horatia House and Leamington House on Friday evening. Picture: Sarah StandingCladding being removed from Horatia House and Leamington House on Friday evening. Picture: Sarah Standing
Cladding being removed from Horatia House and Leamington House on Friday evening. Picture: Sarah Standing

Councillor Donna Jones said she did not know exactly how much the work will cost to take away the material from Horatia House and Leamington House in Somers Town.

Work to remove cladding started on Friday after test results showed it was a potential fire risk.

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Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Cllr Jones said: ‘I really do not know how much it will cost at the moment. We are working on that right now.’

Neil Odin, deputy chief officer speaking at the meeting at the New Theatre Royal last night. Picture: Sarah StandingNeil Odin, deputy chief officer speaking at the meeting at the New Theatre Royal last night. Picture: Sarah Standing
Neil Odin, deputy chief officer speaking at the meeting at the New Theatre Royal last night. Picture: Sarah Standing

She added that it would cost ‘millions’ rather than ‘hundreds of thousands’.

Scaffolding has been put up on the two high rises while the council looks for cherry pickers and scissor lifts which can reach up to 18 storeys - the height of the two buildings.

They are expected to be in use within a ‘couple of weeks’.

The leaders comments came after residents living in the tower blocks attended a public meeting organised by Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire Fire and Rescue last night.

Councillor Donna Jones said the work to remove cladding would cost 'millions'.Councillor Donna Jones said the work to remove cladding would cost 'millions'.
Councillor Donna Jones said the work to remove cladding would cost 'millions'.
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The council wanted to reassure residents and answer their questions about the cladding removal.

It is not known how long it will take for the cladding to be removed, but the city council’s asset manager Steve Groves said it could ‘take months.’

Earlier this week Cllr Jones said she would be asking the government to cover the cost of the cladding work.

Related topics:PortsmouthDonna JonesPortsmouth City Council