Residents in Condemned Flats Endure ‘Total Darkness’ Following Power Disconnection

Two vulnerable individuals have stated they are left with no alternative but to continue residing in darkness within a condemned apartment complex that lacks electricity. A number of people who either own or rent private apartments at 80-100 Baguley Crescent, located in Middleton, Greater Manchester, were compelled to relocate to temporary council accommodation after a fire occurred last year. When some residents subsequently returned to the flats, asserting they had no other place to go, they discovered that the power supply had been disconnected for safety reasons and the building had been declared unsuitable for habitation. Lawrence Cook, 68, reported that he returned to his flat after an operation to find the electricity cut, and now lives in “total darkness.” The building was condemned by the fire service following what Bury Council described as an arson attack, with Electricity North West later severing the power supply after conducting an inspection. Inspectors for the energy provider found evidence of an “illegal and highly dangerous connection” at the flats that bypassed the meter, according to a spokesman. Fuses had also been removed from the electricity box. The power was ultimately cut because engineers could not safely reconnect the flats, the spokesman added. Resident Theodore Tony Henry was present in the building when the power was switched off and pleaded with engineers to halt the disconnection. He stated that no one had anywhere to go, adding: “Nobody told us. We have sick people in here – you’re not supposed to come and cut the electric.” “These are two vulnerable, older gentleman – they could die,” commented Stuart Potts, who operates the Saving People Shelter Project. He continued: “If you’re not going to give anyone any kind of alternative accommodation, nobody in their right mind is going to move onto the street, especially with winter coming on.” Bury Council indicated it was “obviously concerned if vulnerable people are still in the property,” with a spokesman mentioning they had requested the men’s details from Mr Potts. Mr Potts explained that the local authority had been attempting to contact all property owners and landlords to reach an agreement on the necessary works to bring the building up to standard. The building consists of a combination of privately-rented and resident-owned flats. “The council did act to help residents immediately after the fire last year, providing some with temporary accommodation in a hotel and those with higher priority with permanent rehousing,” the council spokesman said. However, he added that the prohibition notice on the building ultimately means “no one should be living there.” The landlords of Mr Cook and Mr Henry have been contacted for comment.