FIFTEEN Callington residents have been re-housed following positive tests for Mundic block.

Cornwall housing carried out tests which revealed a severe case of Mundic block, which is type of concrete that was used between 1900s and 1950s, in the properties, which made them unfit for habitation. Mundic has been known to absorb moisture and can cause severe degradation to the material.

Housing officers were alerted to the issue following reports of ongoing damp by the tenants at two of the affected properties in Urban Terrace in Callington. Further surveys were swiftly undertaken which revealed problems in a further 13 houses. Ten of the homes are under the ownership of Cornwall Housing and five are privately owned.

Cornwall Housing determined the properties were no longer safe to live in due to structural instability and moved quickly to contact residents. For safety reasons, the homes will be demolished once all are vacated.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for homes, Andrew Mitchell, said: “My sympathies go out to those affected residents. While their safety is our utmost priority, I appreciate that losing your home and having to relocate is incredibly distressing and this must be heartbreaking.

“We will do our utmost to minimise the impact by finding them suitable permanent homes as close as possible to their current residence if they so wish, or an alternative area of their choice. I and councillor Long intend to meet with the residents to assure them that Cornwall Council will act as swiftly as we can to help them get on with their lives.

“Given the challenging timescales we are working to, we are renting private accommodation as a stop-gap until permanent housing can be found.”

As well as supporting the tenants affected to find a new home, Cornwall Housing is also providing support and advice to private homeowners of finding a new home in their preferred area, an offer of a free survey from the council and discussions about possible acquisition and any related compensation for the loss of the property.

Council tenants will be found suitable permanent homes as close to their current residence or an alternative area of their choice. If tenants are temporarily housed in accommodation further away from important services like their regular school or their GP surgery, the council will provide transport.

It is believed this is an isolated case and while there are currently no concerns identified in other areas, Cornwall Housing has said it will ‘continue to monitor the situation’.

Cornwall councillor for the Callington ward, Cllr Andrew Long, said: “The safety of our residents is the top priority here in this difficult case. Cornwall Housing officers acted swiftly to contact the residents and owners of the affected properties and while it’s upsetting, everything possible is being done to provide help and support. Callington Town Council — under the lead of the Portreeve and mayor Mark Smith, and clerk Helen Dowdall — have also said the town council is ready to offer any help that might be needed during this difficult time.”