Ipswich St Francis Tower resident anxious after leak

A flat resident says he has been left anxious after learning that he and other residents face at least another three weeks away from their homes after a water leak. 

Michael Lucas is among the many who live in St Francis Tower in Ipswich, and woke in the early hours of Sunday morning to learn he needed to leave his flat.

He said: "We had no idea what was going on."

The tower was evacuated on the evening Saturday, July 1 after a huge water leak caused significant damage to the building. 

A spokesman for Block Management, which owns the property, said there was damage from the ground floor to the seventh as a result of the leak, including a loss of power to the whole building. 

Mr Lucas said: "I was woken up at 4 o'clock in the morning and had no idea what was going on. 

Michael Lucas, St Francis Tower resident, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

"I live on the 12th floor, which wasn't flooded, but we were told that we have 30 minutes to pack up our stuff and get out. 

"Some of the residents don’t even speak English, so can't imagine what it was like for them to understand what's going on." 

Mr Lucas was placed in Pentahotel near Ipswich railway station, while some other residents were also put in a nearby Travelodge. 

On Thursday, a letter was sent to residents from Block Management saying that hotel accommodation had been extended until Thursday, July 20.

Mr Lucas said: “I feel anxious as I struggle with changing places. 

“We still don’t know if we will be going back to the tower in three weeks or what else could happen. 

He said he felt he was not being informed well enough. 

"It’s very stressful for me," he added. 

READ MORE: St Francis Tower uninhabitable for three weeks after flood

The resident said that the situation as well as previous issues with cladding at St Francis Tower have influenced the post-traumatic stress disorder which he struggles with. 

Mr Lucas added: "Constant drilling every day was setting off my PTSD because I struggle with noises. 

"The wrapping around the building made me feel unsafe."

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service sent five appliances to the scene at about 10.45pm on Saturday. 

Ipswich Borough Council provided a rest centre with showers, beds, meals and toys for the children until temporary accommodation was arranged on Sunday afternoon.