Councillors in Uttlesford are demanding action over the "deplorable conditions" at a block of flats in Stansted.

Many flats in Manor Road are affected by mould, which residents say has been unsuccessfully  treated.

Cllr Ray Gooding, deputy leader of the Conservative group and ward councillor for Stansted South and Birchanger, made a recent unsuccessful motion urging Uttlesford District Council to act.

Councillors raised concerns that the mould and damp was affecting the health of vulnerable residents, including children, and called on the council to make repairs to comply with Awaab's Law.

Awaab's Law is named after Awaab Ishak, who died at age two from mould in his London flat in December 2020.

The motion was supported by Stansted Liberal Democrat councillors Alan Dean and Geoffrey Sell.

Cllr Sell said that the flats have "reached the end of their useful life".

He said: "They need to be replaced. A feasibility study needs to be carried out with a view to phrased redevelopment.

Cllr Geoffrey SellCllr Geoffrey Sell (Image: Uttlesford District Council)

"We can then offer accommodation fit for everyone rather than sub standard accommodation which is a threat to residents' health."

Stansted Parish Council agreed to Cllr Sell's suggestion that Cllr Arthur Coote, the portfolio holder for housing, should be asked to attend a meeting to discuss the flats' condition.

Uttlesford District Council explained that work is currently under way to address the problems.

A council spokesperson said: "We are aware of the current situation at the council-owned block of flats in Manor Road, Stansted.

"A programme of works is in place to remove the cause of the damp and mould issues and to bring the living conditions back to a safe and healthy standard.

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"Refurbishment of the balconies and roof repairs are already under way.

"This will be followed by internal works, such as re-plastering, electrical rewiring, window replacements and decoration, to make good the properties.

"The programme of works is being carried out in a phased approach, with a completion date of March 2025.

"Where it is necessary, we will be supporting tenants and leaseholders to arrange temporary accommodation whilst the remediation work to their properties is done."