Work still in progress to restore running water for flats residents three weeks after fire
Some residents of Peterborough’s Varity House are still without running water three weeks after fire cut off supplies.
Council chiefs say they are still working with the owner of the four storey block of flats in Vicarage Farm Road to restore water supplies to residents on the top floor.
A blaze in a bin store on July 18 has been blamed for destroying a water tank that supplied running water for the 250 residents of the flats.
It has meant that residents have had to use portable toilets and bottled water while the damage is being repaired.
Residents have also been allocated rooms at some city hotels while the restoration works take place.
While water running water has been reconnected for residents on the first three floors, council officials say there have been problems restoring full water pressure to the top floor.
A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: “We continue to work closely in an enforcement capacity at Varity House to ensure that all residents have access to a water supply.
"Water services have been restored to the majority of properties within the building.
"However, reduced water pressure continues to affect supply to some upper-floor flats, resulting in a loss of water service.
The spokesperson said: "All those flats with unsuitable water supply have a continued offer of alternative accommodation in place via the management company and their insurers, as well as daily drinking water deliveries and access to portable toilets.
"Residents continue to have direct contact with the team for support and assistance, and they are also keeping us informed of any ongoing issues and developments.”
The council says that work is also under way to install a new water tank at the property.
The spokesperson said: “Arrangements are being made to install a permanent replacement water tank and work is continuing to restore full water services as quickly as possible.
"We have also been in discussions with Anglian Water in an effort to resolve the situation.
“We remain in daily contact with the management company and are maintaining a high level of oversight and enforcement engagement.”
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire fire service has said the cause of the fire was accidental.