'Exhausted' residents have issued an ultimatum following further defects discovered at Cardinal Lofts.
In a message directed to the building owner and fire service, residents have said the campaign will escalate unless they arrange a meeting by the end of the week.
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt has also issued an emergency question in Parliament, demanding help for the residents.
Alex Dickins, from the campaign group Ipswich Cladiators, said: “For the third time, residents have been issued with a letter to leave Cardinal Lofts immediately.
“Will the people and organisations responsible ever learn from previous experience?
“We’re exhausted by the numerous events at Cardinal Lofts, since the initial three floors were evacuated in November 2022.
“However, our determination is stronger than ever to pursue justice, safe homes and compensation following these traumatic events.
“In the past we have kindly asked for meetings with Railpen, the building owner, and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.
“Those requests were either ignored or rejected. This time around we have demanded meetings with each organisation.
“Failure to respond to these demands by the end of the week will result in an escalation in our campaigning.
“So far, both organisations have failed to treat us as humans and if they continue down this path, their reputation will receive irreparable damage.
“Our main concern at this point is the intense short term affect on all 80 families who used to live in Cardinal Lofts.
“Will there be like for like temporary accommodation available for everyone at short notice? In Ipswich, we highly doubt it.
“Protocol 1, Article 1 of Human Rights law states the following: right to peaceful enjoyment of your property. This right has now been breached three times.”
Toby Gray of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said a second prohibition notice was issued on Tuesday after the service learned the building's condition was worse than previously thought - posing a danger to occupants and a risk to firefighters.
He added that "it would be highly irresponsible for us not to enforce an immediate evacuation of all floors".
READ MORE: 7 reasons why Cardinal Lofts residents won't evacuate
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said he is “incredibly concerned” by the news about further structural defects at the Waterfront building.
Mr Hunt added: “I know that this is a fast-moving state of affairs but I am in close contact with both Suffolk Fire and Rescue, and the freeholder Railpen, to see that everything that can be done to support residents leaving is done so.
“I am also in frequent contact with constituents from the building and my team and I are supporting them in whatever way possible.
“One of the most concerning things regarding Cardinal Lofts is the lack of timescales of the period in which constituents are unable to plan their days and lives and I know this notice will only add drastically to that worry.
“It is vital that all possible support is given to residents from all parties concerned to find like-for-like accommodation nearby as soon as possible.
“I know this only raises further questions as to how we are in this situation in the first place, and I will continue to fight in resident’s corners for answers.
READ MORE: Michael Gove issues warning over evacuation
“I was able to bring this immediately to the attention of the Secretary of State for Housing, Michael Gove in the Chamber this afternoon and asked for further pressure from the Government to bring certainty to the residents along with support for compensation that goes beyond covering temporary accommodation.
“As the Minister stated in his reply, there are good, honest working people on the board of Railpen who should show the same energy and commitment to helping the residents.
“Although pension funds such as Railpen have fiduciary responsibilities, I agree that they must putting these residents first."
The freeholder, Grey GR, added: “While we understand that this is a distressing time for residents, the prohibition notice issued today by SFRS aligns with the recommendation from Grey GR’s fire safety experts that the building be evacuated to ensure resident safety.
“We ask all remaining residents still residing in Cardinal Lofts to comply with the Prohibition Notice.
“Our managing agent is on the ground to help residents in the evacuation and coordinate transportation to the short-term hotel accommodation Grey has secured.”
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