Tilbury Tower Evacuated After Roof Water Main Burst — Residents Call for Demolition

Residents demand demolition after flood empties 15‑storey Tilbury tower

Residents of Brisbane House, a 15‑storey tower block in Tilbury, Essex, were evacuated on Wednesday evening after a water main on the roof burst and flooded communal areas. Tenants from Brisbane House and the neighbouring Freemantle House and Tasmania House have launched an online petition, citing long‑running problems with leaks, damp, heating failures and electrical faults.

The council leader described the situation as distressing and said those affected have been placed in temporary accommodation while the council addresses immediate needs.

Danika‑Mae Patterson, 30, who has lived in Brisbane House for eight years, told the BBC: "It was literally like a waterfall coming down the stairs... I was really frightened, upset and angry. My children started crying immediately — they were worried about their pets and their belongings."

Residents say past complaints about mould and damp have gone unanswered. Ms Patterson said damp and mould had already ruined furniture and clothing, and she called for the flats to be demolished so families could be rehoused in safer accommodation.

Other tenants described long‑standing water damage: Amanda Tooey said a neighbour's flat was "completely destroyed" after a leak traced to Ms Tooey's airing cupboard had gone on for around three years. Claire Heath, the neighbour affected, said water had come "down through the light in our toilet and bathroom" and left puddles on the floor.

Following the flood, the water supply for Freemantle House and Tasmania House was switched off because the pump serving those blocks is located at Brisbane House. Rosie Leeman — who started the petition — said many flats have been "riddled" with damp and mould, which she believes has worsened her child's severe eczema.

Council response

Thurrock Council said it has completed 258 repair jobs at 192 flats across the three blocks since April 2024 and that repairs were resolved within target timescales. The council said it is working with occupants of all 64 flats at Brisbane House, assisting with emergency accommodation and helping residents recover their belongings. An information centre has been set up at Tilbury Library and the local community hub to support displaced families.

Labour group leader Lynn Worrall described the events as "distressing" and offered to speak personally with affected residents. Council officials say there is no detected link between the roof tank burst and historical leaks reported in individual flats.

This developing situation has left families anxious about future displacement and prompted renewed calls from tenants for a long‑term solution to the buildings' problems.