MORE support is needed for residents currently living in a block of flats with dangerous cladding who are in "dire need" of help, a borough councillor has said.

As previously reported the external cladding at Crown Heights, which has around 250 flats, contains the flammable material 'expanded polystyrene' and features no fire breaks.

It means that should there be a blaze, it could engulf the whole building similar to what occurred at Grenfell Tower in 2017.

In 2021 Crown Heights failed its external wall system fire review certificate after it was found to be covered in the flammable material expanded polystyrene (EPS).

READ MORE: Crown Heights: Work to get underway to remove cladding

It was also found that more than 80 per cent of the building is clad in an STO-insulated render, which is a coating traditionally made of a mix of lime, water and aggregate.

It has left residents fearing for their safety and unable to sell their properties.

The original developer of the building, Barratt, indicated that it will pay for the work itself but it had to first undertake a risk assessment on the building to see what work needed to be done.

It was confirmed earlier this year, in an update produced by BDBC, Barrett agreed to fund the necessary fire safety works and work is expected to start by September this year.

During a full council meeting held on Thursday, July 20 Cllr ward councillor for Brookvale and Kings Furlong Arun Mummalaneni put forward a motion to ask BDBC to write to the valuation agency about what council tax bands residents living in the property are in and the secretary of state of Levelling Up to call for central government support.

The motion also asks for the council to form a task force to ensure the rapid completion of cladding and remedial works.

He said: “Crown Heights stands as a sad example of the consequences of inadequate development and management practices.

SEE ALSO: Basingstoke MP's call for action on fire safety works at Crown Heights

"Our fellow residents of Crown Heights are facing antisocial behaviour, enormous maintenance charges and fire safety concerns that loom has a constant threat to their safety and peace of mind.

"The delays and failures in implementing successful fire safety and improvements inflict financial strain and emotional distress upon these residents, hindering their pursuit of fulfilment of life in a secure environment."

He said similar-sized properties are at least two bands lower for council tax.

READ ALSO: Crown Heights residents react to lack of action on cladding

Many councillors said they wanted to support the "spirit of the motion" but did share some concerns.

Labour's Cllr Alex Lee said: “It is not really in the council’s power to write to the valuation agency to request revelation for residents. Whiles many people would like to see that if the council go down there is a real risk that it could also rise."

The leader of the council Cllr Paul Harvey said the council is already pushing to do all it can.

Meanwhile, co-leader Cllr Gavin James said: “It may not be our responsibility directly but in such a serious matter with lively hoods and risk it is very important that residents are communicated with on a regular basis. We should support it in the spirit of solidarity with the Crown Heights residents.”

The ward councillor for Tadley North, Kingsclere and Baughurst Ken Rhatigan said he was worried work may not start on time.

Despite this, the motion was passed with 49 votes.