Residents rejoice as plastic sheeting is removed from Gosport tower block to let in the light

After more than a year with their windows covered so the building could be re-cladded, Harbour Tower residents are thankful the work is over and they are safe from fire risk.

It is one of five towers in the town which were affected and all have seen complaints from residents - Garland Court, in Forton Road, has also had its sheeting removed, with work in progress at Seaward, Hammond and Blake.

Members of the Harbour Tower Residents’ Association have given thanks to staff from contractor Axis for their hard work, especially the resident liaison officers.

A statement from the group was read out by chairman Sally Taylor, who said: ‘It is much appreciated that Hyde were proactive in instigating the removal of the previous cladding so quickly. Unfortunately this revealed defective brickwork which had to be repaired before the cladding could be replaced.

‘Whilst it was not pleasant being surrounded by Monaflex for many months especially for housebound residents, we are now confident that the new cladding provides the necessary fire protection to the building.

‘The end result is visually pleasing and all work has been done at no cost to residents.’

The group were particularly pleased at how quickly housing association Hyde reacted to news of the Grenfell Tower fire, sending them a letter the day after it happened.

Pat Watts, committee member, said: ‘It has been a long haul and it hasn’t been smooth going but they’ve been very helpful. It’s taken a long time but we got there in the end.’

Treasurer Dave Wiles added: ‘It’s nice now it’s all been done and we know it’s safe.’

Views over the water can now be enjoyed from the windows of the 120 flats at Harbour Court, after around 12 months of darkness and living in artificial light.

Sally Taylor, who has lived in the building for 40 years, has seen many changes to the Portsmouth and Gosport landscapes from her window, and said she enjoyed being able to see out over the harbour again.