Leaseholders at Clayewater Court in Bristol, a building deemed a fire risk due to unsafe cladding, are grappling with the financial and emotional toll of funding a 24-hour “waking watch” service. The measure, designed to prevent fire-related tragedies, is costing residents nearly £700 each month, a burden many say is unsustainable.
Resident Lucy Tissington described the situation as “heartbreaking,” explaining:
“That’s just money I can’t afford, especially when they demand it immediately.”
Leaseholders have collectively paid approximately £2,000 each since October, with no immediate end in sight.
The building’s freeholder, Adriatic Land 5 Limited, through its representative HomeGround, has secured government funding to replace the waking watch with a fire alarm system. However, until the system is installed, residents remain responsible for the costly fire wardens. “It’s really stressful trying to figure out where this money is going to come from,” Tissington added.
Waking Watch and Government Funding Delays
The waking watch, consisting of fire wardens patrolling the building, was implemented following a fire risk assessment. A HomeGround spokesperson explained: “We have acted quickly to progress a Waking Watch Relief Fund application. In the meantime, a loan from the landlord has been provided to help cover the costs, and efforts are underway to expedite the fire alarm installation.”
Despite these measures, residents at Clayewater Court, a building under 11 meters tall, feel neglected. Government funding for cladding remediation does not currently include buildings below this height threshold.
“This is incredibly unfair,” said Tissington. “Why are the people who can actually do something about it just turning their backs on us?”
Emotional and Financial Toll on Leaseholders
Tissington, who has previously spoken about the emotional strain of being unable to sell her home, revealed that residents were notified of the waking watch just one hour before its implementation. “It’s the fear of knowing you’re not safe from fire, and you’re not safe from these costs,” she said.
Residents have also reported discomfort with the presence of fire wardens. While the wardens themselves are described as “nice people,” their constant presence, including standing outside windows at night, has made some residents feel uneasy.
Neighbor Alan Morris highlighted additional frustrations, noting discrepancies in the building’s measurements. While government regulations only provide funding for buildings above 11 meters, Clayewater Court’s cladding extends to 13 meters at its tallest point. “The cladding there is going to burn in case of a fire,” he said.
Morris also expressed disbelief over the building’s issues, calling for accountability. “I don’t understand how this can happen in a brand-new build. Somebody has to be culpable.”
Government Response and Future Steps
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government defended the current policies, stating: “While remediation work is rarely required in buildings under 11m, we are determined to make homes safe and secure for residents. We urge leaseholders to write to us so we can investigate further.”
HomeGround reiterated its commitment to resolving the issue. “We will continue our efforts to ensure that the cost of the waking watch is removed as soon as possible,” said the spokesperson.
Until then, residents remain stuck in a cycle of mounting costs and emotional distress, waiting for a resolution that feels long overdue.
