Residents at a block of flats have been moved to temporary accommodation by the district council after fires safety issues were detected at the building.

Warwick District Council said investigations at Christine Ledger Square, Leamington Spa, had led to concerns about "how the building would respond in the case of fire".

As the landlord, the council has now had to move tenants and leaseholders out of their homes just ten days before Christmas.

Cllr Jan Matecki, Portfolio Holder for Housing said: "The safety and welfare of our residents is our number one priority.

"Based on all the information we have received from our specialist surveys and investigations, and from information we have at hand, we consider that the building falls well below the standards that which we, as landlords, can accept.

"This leaves us with absolutely no alternative but to protect residents. 

"It is not a decision we have taken lightly, particularly as it is so close to Christmas, but given our concerns with the safety of the building, we cannot ignore the situation.

"We will offer residents alternative accommodation, supporting them, practically and financially to move out of the flats, as quickly as we possibly can."  

The Housing team will be meeting with residents throughout the week and discussing with them their individual needs, so that they can be matched to alternative accommodation.

Residents have the opportunity to meet with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service later this week to hear the assessment of the situation.