RESIDENTS of a block of flats have been fenced in by scaffolding for more than a year.

Tenants in Saxonbury in Ashton Rise, Brighton, have been unable to use or clean their balconies or fully open their windows since March last year.

The city council cannot confirm when the scaffolding will be removed.

Zonia Deerans, 35, said: “It looks like someone is building the ark. I haven’t been able to open my windows for a year.

“I’ve got birds nesting out there, there’s bird poo all over the floor and all over the balustrade.

“You can’t open the window when you’re not in because it’s not safe, people could break in. And you can’t open them when you’re in because of all the brick dust.”

A spokesman for contractors Mears said it was a matter for the council.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council apologised for the inconvenience and said: “While carrying out balcony repairs, we identified defects with some of the brickwork on the exterior of three blocks on the Albion Hill estate.

“We’ve erected scaffold protection where necessary and fenced off some areas to manage any potential health and safety risks.

“Some scaffolding from the balcony repairs has been left in place where we have particular concerns around the condition of the bricks and we are inspecting the blocks daily.”

She said brickwork will be made safe and further inspections will take place, adding that letters have been sent to residents and drop-in meetings will be arranged.

She said scaffolding on the Normanhurst block would be removed this week but it would remain around Saxonbury and Courtlands while essential repairs were carried out.

Residents received their first letter from the council on the matter yesterday but it does not confirm when the scaffolding will be removed.

Last month The Argus reported residents in Barnet Way, Hove, had criticised the council after contractors left scaffolding on their building for more than six months.

Ward councillor Dawn Barnett claimed Mears was leaving scaffolding up all round the city to avoid paying to store it.