Storm Doris rips roof felt off Northampton council flat

Storm Doris has caused structural damage to buildings across Northampton today.

Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue were called to the scene in Newton Road, off Cotswold Avenue, Duston, at 12:46pm.

Wires and a large sheet of cladding were left dangling from the building and wood was strewn across the lawn.

Lisa Warren, a resident at the block of flats, said:

Residents say they heard a loud bang before discovering the roof had come away from their block of flats.

"I was in my flat with my partner when we heard this huge bang. I put my head outside to have a look and the roof was hanging off.

"I couldn't believe it. The fire service came but we've been told we can come and go from the building.

"It's just hanging there over the entrance. It looks so dangerous."

A spokeswoman from Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue said: "Fire officers arrived in Duston after a large piece of felting came away from the roof of a block of flats.

"A cordon was placed around the entrance to the building and residents were given safety advice.

"Because of Storm Doris, Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue have today been dealing with a number of dangerous structure incidents across the county."

A spokesman for Northampton Partnership Homes said: "The safety of all the tenants in the block is the most important thing for us. We have people onsite making the building safe. With the high winds, it’s important we take precautions.

"At the moment, we are looking to create a safe walkway in and out of the flats so that every tenant entering or leaving is not in danger. Once the wind dies down, we will be able to add full height scaffolding so a permanent repair can be made.”