Council renews deal at 'cockroach-infested' flats

Families will continue to be sent to live in a former office block once described as "cockroach-infested" and condemned by housing charities as unsuitable.

Bristol City Council has renewed its agreement with landlord Caridon to provide temporary accommodation at Imperial Apartments in Hartcliffe for another five years.

Earlier this year, residents reported cockroach infestations and issues with raw sewage filling their baths and sinks.

Councillor Barry Parsons, chair of the housing committee, said: "We're working really closely with Caridon to resolve those issues and we've seen a big reduction in the number of complaints there."

The council has been using the apartments in the former Somerfield headquarters to house people threatened with homelessness since 2020.

Over the years, resident have reported issues with drugs, crime, noise and violence.

The council has now renewed its referral agreement with Caridon for another five years, meaning the council can nominate homeless people as tenants at the converted offices.

Rents are capped at housing benefit as part of the deal, meaning the council does not have to pay for expensive temporary accommodation.

An update on Imperial Apartments was given to councillors on the housing policy committee on Friday, 6 November.

They did not vote on renewing the agreement, as this decision had already been taken by David McNulty, the council's executive director of housing.

In a statement on behalf of Imperial residents, Acorn member Alex Tucker said issues with cockroach infestations were ongoing.

"Despite pest control coming out to a tenant's flat multiple times, they are still witnessing cockroaches," he said.

"This is something that many other residents at Imperial Apartments are seeing too, both in other flats and communal areas.

"Young children live in this building and are scared to return home to their flats when cockroaches are infesting the building.

"Residents constantly get parcels stolen, drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour are rife and there are constantly emergency vehicles at the building. Basic maintenance like lighting and fire alarms are not up to standard."

Labour Councillor Paul Goggin said: "I would hope that we're doing our best to find something better for our tenants and ourselves to use.

"We can't just keep extending contracts on and on and on because 'it's there and we can't find anything else'. We have to find something else."

The previous five-year deal began in 2021. Housing options managers working for the council meet with Caridon's regional manager monthly to discuss the issues and complaints.

If the deal was not renewed, the number of people staying in expensive temporary accommodation would increase, which the council would have to pay for, as rents are higher than housing benefit.

A recent change in policy means that nobody is now forced to move into the block of flats. The council does not end its duty to house someone if they refuse to move there, according to Paul Sylvester, head of housing options.

And the council is "trying to hold Caridon to account more" for issues like property management and maintenance.

Parsons said: "We know this has been an emotive issue and there have been a lot of complaints in the past.

"We're working really closely with Caridon to resolve those issues and we've seen a big reduction in the number of complaints there.

"Within the context of a housing emergency, where we have very limited options for people to move on from homelessness, I do think it's right that we continue to use this as an option for some people for whom it suits. And that's by no means everyone."

According to a blog on the Bristol City Council website, the new agreement includes improved reporting systems for issues around repairs, safety and anti-social behaviour and an improved tenant selection processes.

The agreement also includes new complaint processes for residents and continued monitoring of issues raised by tenants, campaigners and politicians.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.