Residents of a Southampton tower block are stuck in unsaleable flats

Work to remove decking from balconies and terraces and replace them with non-combustible alternatives was due to begin in September but has been delayed.

Barrett Homes told residents the work would take approximately 12 months.

The developer told the BBC that a new contractor and fire engineering company had been appointed to carry out the new surveys.

The company said it would start determining what work would be required next week before submitting plans to the Building Safety Regulator.

He did not comment on the delays.

Southampton Itchen MP Darren Puffy met with homeowners and said he was horrified that people had to live in such conditions for so long.

“Water coming through vents to remove smoke causing damage to homes is unacceptable,” he said.

He said ministers would meet with developers next week to push for faster progress on remediation work.