THE LEASEHOLDERS of an ‘unsafe’ tower block have been sent a bill for thousands of pounds, as preparations get underway to replace the building’s flammable cladding.

Ringley, The managers of Nova House in Buckingham Gardens, Slough, sent the leaseholders a bill for £14,843 to cover potential cladding costs.

Slough Borough Council (SBC) is currently in negotiations to buy the block’s freeholding company, Ground Rent Estates 5 Ltd, so they may run the building themselves, which has failed numerous fire tests in the wake of the Grenfell tower fire.

But the leaseholders may not have to pay a cent if an insurance claim, which is currently being sought, is successful.

A spokesman for Ground Rent Estates 5 Ltd said: “An insurance claim is currently being pursued to replace the cladding and to conduct other fire safety measures at the property.

“As is normally the case, the leaseholders – who own the property – are liable for the costs to maintain the property. In the event of an unsuccessful insurance claim they will be liable for the costs to replace the cladding and other works.

“Those involved in the installation of the cladding at Nova House are TPS Nova, the property developer and Timeless Property Services, the main contractor for the construction of the property. In addition, Butler and Young were the building inspectors.

“We have made numerous enquiries with all parties, but it is still not clear where the issue arose in the construction of the property.”

A spokeswoman for SBC said: “We weren’t party to the letter that went out to leaseholders from Ringley.

“I can confirm the council is continuing to carry out its due diligence, and we hope to make a decision regarding Nova House by the end of the month.”