THE leader of Thurrock Council has thanked residents for their patience a week after dozens of families were forced to leave their homes when a burst pipe flooded a Tilbury tower block reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Brisbane House, a 15-storey block in Tilbury, was evacuated last week after a pipe connected to a rooftop water tank failed, sending water cascading through multiple floors and causing extensive damage. Residents remain in temporary accommodation while repairs continue.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, council leader Lynn Worrall described the incident as “shocking” and praised the response from emergency services and council staff.
She said: “The incident had a significant impact on the lives of our residents. I know that block really well – I lived there for over nine years – so it has a special place in my heart. A week ago I was shocked to get a call to say there had been a huge flood coming from a pipe at the top of the building that then cascaded all the way through the flats below, causing a great deal of damage.”
Power was quickly switched off and residents evacuated to a rest centre set up at Tilbury Community Centre. Ms Worrall thanked the centre for its ongoing support and said council officers had worked “day and night” to ensure displaced families had safe, warm accommodation.
A dedicated information hub has been operating at Tilbury Library since the incident, offering advice and assigning named officers to each household. The council is also arranging escorted visits for residents to collect essential items such as medication.
Ms Worrall added: “We know the council’s first objective must be to get people home as soon as possible, but we can’t yet say when that will be. Surveys are under way, and affected residents will be the first to know when timescales are clear. I want to thank them for their understanding and patience.”
Last week cabinet member for social housing Mark Hurrell apologised for the disruption and confirmed security measures are in place at Brisbane House. He said the council is working with housing associations and the RSPCA to support residents and their pets.
Some families have been moved outside the borough, including to Basildon and Southend, and concerns remain over ongoing rent charges despite the evacuation.
Categories: Public safety
Authorities: Thurrock Council
