Statement regarding the temporary evacuation of Brisbane House:
Tonight (Wednesday 12 November) Thurrock Council has been supporting residents who have had to temporarily leave Brisbane House in Tilbury after a burst pipe caused flooding which affected the electricity supply in the block. To keep everyone safe, and on advice from the utility company, we have shut off the power to the building, asked residents to leave the premises, and set up a rest centre for those who are unable to stay with family or friends. Vulnerable residents are being supported, and emergency accommodation will be provided for those who need it.
The water pumps for the other two neighbouring blocks – Freemantle House and Tasmania House – are also located in Brisbane House. Because the power has been shut off in that block, the water in those blocks is likely to run out overnight, although their electricity is unaffected. Council officers will be delivering bottled water to these residents and asking them to limit their water use. Emergency repairs will be carried out first thing in the morning.
We are hugely grateful to residents for their patience and cooperation, and to our colleagues in the emergency services, and the British Red Cross, for supporting local residents through this incident tonight.