Frustration has arisen as ANOTHER Ipswich block of flats has been found to have safety concerns.

News emerged yesterday that a 24/7 waking watch had been put in place at Churchman House in Portman Road. 

It is the latest block in recent years to have concerns raised alongside the cladding issues at St Francis Tower in Franciscan Way and the evacuation of all Cardinal Lofts residents almost six months ago. 

Earlier this month, residents living in The Mill protested outside the headquarters of the building's freeholder after years of feeling like "cladding prisoners". 

Churchman House was previously a cigarette factory and was converted in the early 2000s. 

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A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said: "Having identified some potential risks within the building, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has been working with the Responsible Person at the premises to put in place suitable arrangements to keep residents safe.  

"This includes the use of a waking watch, which is still in place.   

"All key partners have been regularly monitoring the situation to ensure the continued safety of the residents.   

"Good progress is being made, and it is anticipated a more permanent solution will be in place soon." 

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Campaigners and Ipswich's MP have reacted to the news. 

Ipswich Cladiators spokesman Alex Dickin added that Cardinal Lofts residents are "furious but not surprised" to find another high rise building with the same internal fire safety issues.  

Mr Dickin said: "These issues include a lack of cavity barriers and internal compartmentation issues.  

"A waking watch is currently being funded by the leaseholder’s reserve fund, which is normally used in the event of a loft breaking down or flood damage. 

"In the meantime, a fire alarm is being installed, and further intrusive surveys will be conducted.  

"Our fear is that another building will be evacuated, just like Cardinal Lofts and St Francis Tower." 

Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said: "I am liaising with the local fire service and will be contacting the responsible person to ensure that all residents are kept fully aware of the situation and ensure their safety remains the highest priority.  

Ipswich Star: MP Tom Hunt, House of CommonsMP Tom Hunt, House of Commons (Image: House of Commons)

"I am determined to see that the permanent solution to this developing situation takes residents welfare incredibly seriously, and I will continue to work with the local fire service to see that any building, like Churchman’s House, which needs to have urgent measures put in place does so with minimal disruption.  

"Like with other buildings in Ipswich, the Responsible Person must take exactly that, responsibility. I will continue to see that they act swiftly and with clarity." 

READ MORE: Furious residents say they are 'cladding prisoners' at protest outside freeholders

Ipswich Borough Council, the freeholder Blair Estates and Cowan Architects were approached for a comment.