AN INVESTIGATION into a new-build block of flats revealed the extent of remedial works needed.

Residents at 46 Roundhill Close have hit out at problems at the Southampton City Council block, which is just three years old.

They have since been told there were problems with fire protection to pipes and cables which go through walls above the ceilings, and doors need to be replaced.

Other needed work includes replacing front door sets within the flats.

In a statement Councillor Lisa Mitchell, Cabinet Member for Housing and Green Environment, said: “We have proactively investigated and identified the need for fire safety improvements to 46 Roundhill Close which includes 50 flats, some of the work has already been completed.

“We remain committed to engaging with residents in this way to ensure they feel informed and so we can hear their feedback.

“I completely understand and sympathise with residents and at this time and we are progressing forward with the required works to the block and exploring ways we can do this as quickly as possible to minimise disruption to residents.”

Residents had complained about several false alarms. The investigation found that they were being activated due to people vaping and due to steam from the showers in the flat.

Recommendations have been put forward suggesting alarm sounders should initially only go off in the flat affected.

In October residents were evacuated over reports a boiler had exploded in one of the flats. It has since been found a heat interface unit (HIU) suffering a component failure.

An HIU is similar in appearance to a standard boiler, but instead, it transfers the heat from a central boiler in the block to heating systems such as showers and taps.

Some of the works have begun and others are due to start at the start of next year.