COLCHESTER’S MP has spoken out about the importance of supporting residents and quelling fears around selling their properties if they live in blocks of flats.

Boydens Estate Agents, in Colchester, has said more mortgage lenders are erring on the side of caution when it comes to offering mortgages until a property’s external wall systems have been checked.

The EWS1 process was introduced after the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, which resulted in the deaths of 72 people due to combustible cladding.

Colchester MP Will Quince feels strongly about the issue - and wants it tackled for the benefit of any concerned residents living in Colchester properties.

He said: “I do my utmost to help constituents in Colchester on a daily basis, and I would urge anyone to contact me about this particular issue so I can make representations on their behalf to the Housing Secretary."

The EWS1 process was introduced after the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, which resulted in the deaths of 72 people due to combustible cladding.

Downing Street has now announced it will spend billions on helping leaseholders.

"The Secretary of State announced a five-point plan to help leaseholders with protection from the cost of replacing unsafe cladding on their properties," added Mr Quince. 

"This comprises of an unprecedented £5 billion of investment and £3.5 billion of this has been announced today.

"In line with independent expert advice and evidence, the Secretary of State announced that this money will enable the Government to fully fund the cost of replacing unsafe cladding for all leaseholders in residential buildings that stand at 18 metres and over in England.

"Moreover, for lower-rise buildings between 11 and 18 metres tall, new protection has been announced for the costs of cladding removal with a new, long-term, low interest, and government-backed financing arrangement.

"The measures announced are on top of policies already introduced by the Government to support leaseholders, including £1.6 billion of funding to help with unsafe cladding, new legislation in the Building Safety Bill for the safety of future homes, and a £30 million Waking Watch fund."