Two devastating fires have now ripped through the estate in under 10 months, but work to address fire safety concerns raised in the wake of the first blaze in July 2009 has yet to begin.
South Anglia Housing Association – which owns the majority of properties on the estate – has pledged to begin upgrading homes in July of this year, but concerned residents have now produced a petition demanding immediate action.
The petition’s author - who wished to remain anonymous - told the Star: "I am disgusted at South Anglia, who have done nothing to protect residents except send a letter out stating that there had been another fire.
"My petition is addressed directly to the housing association – it has an obligation to the residents of Berecroft and under legislation must make sure our homes are fit for purpose.
"But nothing has happened since the first fire in July 2009, and I am getting signatures from tenants who feel they have no alternative but to hold back rent payments until the problems are rectified."
Local councillor and Berecroft resident Lee Dangerfield pledged his "full support" for the petition.
"Residents living on this estate have a right to know that everything has been done to make their homes as safe as possible," he said.
"We haven't seen any real progress since last July's original fire - it's simply not good enough."
But Chris Ellison, Managing Director of South Anglia Housing, told the Star that improvement works could not be brought forward as there was no "quick-fix" solution for all properties.
"We understand that some people may be frustrated that the improvement work cannot be done more quickly," he said.
"We have to work with residents to find the right solution for their property and do this properly - improvement work of this scale is not something that can be rushed through.
He added that an independent steering group made up of councillors – including Mr Dangerfield – residents and South Anglia staff had unanimously agreed to the original timetable of works.
"When the Steering Group last met every member signed off on the timetable for this process proposed by the Independent Safety Specialists," he said.
"This is why the next stage of the timetable agreed by the Steering Group is for us to consult with residents on the Berecroft Estate on the best solution for them.
"The consultation starts next week, and we strongly encourage residents to take part in this so that their views are reflected in the works that we take forward."
*Berecroft residents wanting to have their say on any of the issues surrounding the safety of their homes can attend a public meeting tomorrow (Friday) at 6.30pm at St James Primary School on Paringdon Road.
