Full Breakdown
Worcester Residents Forced to Vacate Harrington Court Over Unsafe Cladding
6/11/2026, 6:16:19 AM
The Evacuation Order and Immediate Impact
Residents of Harrington Court in Lowesmoor have been served notice that the block must be vacated for essential works. The building, home to 22 tenants, is slated for cladding replacement as part of a broader investment plan aimed at improving safety and long-term sustainability. Because the scale of the work requires full evacuation, the owners are coordinating with Worcester City Council to secure permanent alternative accommodation for all occupants.
Background: Cladding Safety and Building Condition
Rooftop Housing Group, the property owner, identified the cladding as unsafe and unrelated to the persistent damp and mould reported by residents. The decision to replace the cladding follows national scrutiny of external wall systems after high-profile fire incidents, prompting owners to prioritize structural safety in older residential blocks.
Key Stakeholders
- Rooftop Housing Group – Owner of Harrington Court, responsible for arranging rehousing and overseeing the refurbishment.
- Worcester City Council – Partner in the rehousing process and holder of the residents’ meeting scheduled for 17 June at the Hive.
- Residents – Twenty-two tenants, including families with children who have experienced health issues linked to the building’s condition.
- Local health professionals – Provided medical documentation indicating that a child’s respiratory symptoms may have been aggravated by the living environment.
Health Concerns and Resident Experiences
Tenants have repeatedly reported mould, chronic damp, and rat infestation. One mother of two described the flat as “absolute hell” with “constant issues around mould and damp, rat infestation.” Over a seven-year period the family was temporarily rehoused in hotels and Airbnbs four times. A son developed a respiratory condition, and two other children have begun using inhalers, with a doctor’s letter suggesting the symptoms were exacerbated by the dwelling’s conditions.
Official Statements and Responses
Rooftop Housing Group’s written notice emphasized that the cladding replacement is a safety measure and that the company is “working with local partners to ensure suitable, safe, and secure, alternative accommodation is found for everyone.” The group also acknowledged the situation as “unsettling” and affirmed its “commitment to fully supporting our customers through the process.” Worcester City Council’s spokesperson said the council “understands this must be a worrying time for residents of Harrington Court” and confirmed that council officials will attend the 17 June meeting to discuss options and prevent homelessness.
Criticism and Opposition
Residents have challenged the timing and communication of the rehousing plan. An unnamed tenant noted, “They've said they've put a hold on properties within and around Worcester so we are priority, but they can't tell us whether it'll be next week, next month or the next few months or where we're going.” The lack of a definitive timetable has heightened anxiety, especially for families with school-age children.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Rooftop Housing Group maintains that the cladding issue is not directly linked to the reported damp and mould, while occupants attribute their health problems to the building’s overall condition. No independent inspection results have been released, leaving a gap in verification of the causal relationship between the cladding and the indoor environment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A mum-of-two, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the BBC that living in the building had been "absolute hell", with "constant issues around mould and damp, rat infestation".” — Anonymous mother of two, resident
- “They've said they've put a hold on properties within and around Worcester so we are priority, but they can't tell us whether it'll be next week, next month or the next few months or where we're going,” — Anonymous resident
- “We are working with local partners to ensure suitable, safe, and secure, alternative accommodation is found for everyone,” — Rooftop Housing Group spokesperson
- “Rooftop Housing Group said it understood it was an "unsettling" time for residents and that it was "committed to fully supporting our customers through the process".” — Rooftop Housing Group spokesperson
- “We understand that this must be a worrying time for residents of Harrington Court, but Rooftop has committed to working closely with residents and the council's housing service to ensure that no-one should be made homeless as a result of these necessary works.” — Worcester City Council spokesperson
What’s Next
A residents’ meeting is scheduled for 17 June at the Hive, where council representatives will outline the rehousing timeline. Rooftop Housing Group estimates the relocation process could take up to six months, during which families will remain in temporary accommodation until permanent homes are secured. Ongoing monitoring of health outcomes and building safety will be essential to assess the effectiveness of the refurbishment.
