“Clock Is Ticking”: Councillor Urges FirstPort and Freeholder to Guarantee Accommodation as Thursday Deadline Looms

[caption id="attachment_4039" align="aligncenter" width="682"] Cllr Jessie Jagger[/caption]

Worcester City Councillor Jessie Jagger has warned that dozens of residents evacuated from Barbourne Works could be left without accommodation from Thursday, unless immediate action is taken by property management company FirstPort and the building’s freeholder, Wallace Partnership Group.

The evacuation took place last week following a prohibition notice issued by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, which identified serious fire safety risks relating to cladding and escape routes. While emergency accommodation was arranged, the temporary stays offered to many residents are now coming to an end — and no long-term plan has yet been agreed.

“The most urgent issue right now is that many residents still don’t know where they’ll sleep on Thursday night,” said Cllr Jessie Jagger, who has been working to support affected residents.

“FirstPort, Simarc, and Wallace Partnership Group are debating liability — but in the meantime, real people are stuck in limbo. That’s not acceptable. These are families, older people, and working individuals who deserve certainty and dignity.”

Cllr Jagger has visited the site multiple times and has been in direct contact with residents, council officers, and company representatives. She says the council is doing everything it can with limited resources but cannot cover ongoing costs such as parking, food, or extended hotel stays indefinitely.

“FirstPort is the UK’s largest managing agent. Wallace Partnership Group owns over 100,000 freeholds. Simarc manages their portfolio. Between them, they have the resources to act.

Guaranteeing accommodation for all residents until the inspection is complete — and ideally until a full resolution is found — is the minimum that should be expected. If they are not ultimately liable, they can claim the cost back through insurance or the responsible party. But people must not be left to pay the price while companies debate responsibility.”

A new council webpage is being developed to centralise updates and support for residents. Households affected by the evacuation will also be eligible for council tax exemptions for the period they are unable to live in their homes.

“This is a test of corporate responsibility,” added Cllr Jagger. “There’s still time to do the right thing — but the clock is ticking.”