FIRE safety concerns have been found at a block of flats in Basingstoke following an investigation by the borough council and fire and rescue service.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) issued an enforcement notice on Unity House, in Lime Tree Way, Chineham in October last year and has since been working with the owner and the borough council to ‘improve all areas of fire safety within the premises’.

A statement from HFRS said: “This has included the implementation of several new fire safety measures to ensure the building is safer for residents.

“Due to the size and complex layout of the premises, our fire safety team has been working with our operational crews to ensure that should an incident occur, we are best prepared to respond accordingly.”

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Photos taken inside Unity Place by a residentPhotos taken inside Unity Place by a resident (Image: Resident) It added that, in conjunction with the Registered Building Control Approver and the owner of the building, it will "ensure positive action continues to improve the fire safety standards at Unity Place".

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said it carried out an investigation of Unity Place, alongside the fire service, which uncovered ‘further issues unrelated to fire safety’ at the building.

A statement from the council said: “This is still a live investigation so we cannot provide full details at this stage. However, those residents affected are fully aware of all actions taking place.”

A resident, who did not want to be named, told the Gazette there had been continuous problems with the building including leaks and overflowing rubbish.

On one occasion, the resident said he found rubbish thrown outside his front door.

“For six to seven hours it had been festering in the heat in the corridor and it stunk,” he said, adding: “There’s rubbish building up outside with beer cans and bottles and crisps and sofas. I saw a huge rat run across the path and it will cause chaos if they come inside.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said that any resident with concerns, or who would like to make a complaint about the standard of the property, should contact them on 01256 844844 or email ehteam@basingstoke.gov.uk.

HFRS said residents concerned about fire safety within the building should contact the person legally responsible for fire safety.