Work still under way to restore full running water supplies for flats' residents six weeks after fire

A number of the 250 residents at Varity House in Vicarage Farm Road, Fengate, are without proper running water more than six weeks after the blaze.

And council chiefs say they are still working in an enforcement capacity with the owner of the four storey block of flats to ensure the full restoration of water supplies to residents on the top floor.

Residents have been offered hotel accommodation while the work takes place.

A fire in a bin store on July 18 has been blamed for destroying a communal water tank that supplied running water to the residents.

A number of portable toilets and supplies of bottled water were brought in after the fire for residents to use.

A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: “Water services have been restored to properties within the building however, reduced water pressure continues to affect some upper floor flats.

"All those flats with unsuitable water supply have a continued offer of alternative accommodation in place via the management company and their insurers, whilst the works are being carried out.

The spokesperson added: “The council continues to work closely in an enforcement capacity at Varity House to ensure that all residents have access to a water supply.

"Contractors are currently on site with works continuing to install a permanent replacement water tank.”

Running water supplies were reconnected for residents on the first three floors some weeks ago.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire fire service has said the cause of the fire was accidental.