Flammable building materials are set to be replaced at six Runcorn apartment blocks later this month.

The long-awaited work at The Deck is part of a national remediation programme following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, involving combustible cladding, that claimed 72 lives.

Subject to legal agreement, enabling work is due to start on site from April 29 with the erection of scaffolding on the first block scheduled to commence on May 13.

The details were passed to residents and leaseholders from The Deck during a recent meeting at Bridgeview in Runcorn hosted bIt'y Taylor Wimpey (TW) who built the waterside residential complex. TW has signed the Government’s developer remediation contract to put right unsafe buildings it built, like The Deck, at its own expense.

Also present at the meeting were TW’s partners including contractors Bell Building Projects, who will do the remediation work, and its architects. An officer from Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service was in attendance along with local councillors.

The meeting heard render boarding, timber cladding and high pressure laminate panel must all be replaced, with missing cavity barriers installed.

TW said the three lower blocks would be tackled during the earlier phase. While the three higher blocks, classed as higher risk buildings, will follow because details of the remediation scheme must be submitted to the Building Safety Regulator for consideration.

Working on two blocks at a time, each building will take an average of eight months to complete with the final block slated to be finished in February 2026. The intention is for residents to remain in occupation throughout.

Neighbouring Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury, who has supported leaseholders in his role of Shadow Minister for Building Safety and Homelessness, said: “After previous false dawns, it’s good to learn remediation work looks likely to begin at long last.

“However, let’s not forget leaseholders are innocent victims of a national building safety scandal exposed by Grenfell. For several years, they have suffered mental anguish while living in unsafe buildings and being stuck in unsellable homes.

“They’ve shelled out massive increases in insurance premiums and on fire alarm systems. Now they must endure noise and disruption over a two-year period. Companies responsible for this fiasco should hang their heads in shame.”

The MP added: “After admitting communications have not been the best at the meeting, I’d urge Taylor Wimpey to up its game in keeping those affected updated on a regular basis and in a meaningful way throughout this project.

“That includes supplying people with the presentation given at the meeting, as promised, including the full programme of works.”