18 January 2026
Message from the Chief Executive of Housing Solutions
Important information for residents of Providence House
First and foremost, I am very sorry that you have had to leave your home at short notice. I appreciate how unsettling this has been, and I want to thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Residents were asked to evacuate Providence House after very high levels of carbon monoxide were detected within the building. This action was taken to protect your safety, which remains our absolute priority.
What we currently know
Providence House is owned and managed by Sainsbury’s, Encore, and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. While Housing Solutions is not the building owner, we are supporting residents and working closely with all parties involved.
We understand that the source of the carbon monoxide may be linked to boilers serving the Sainsbury’s store located beneath the flats. These boilers may have contributed to the carbon monoxide emissions; however, this has not yet been confirmed and remains under investigation.
Importantly:
• The boilers serving Sainsbury’s have now been shut down
• There is currently no gas supply in the building
• As a result, carbon monoxide readings are now at zero
At this point in time, there is no carbon monoxide present in Providence House.
What is still being investigated
Although readings are currently at zero, the boilers themselves have not yet been fully tested. This means there is still some uncertainty regarding:
• The precise root cause of the carbon monoxide emissions
• The extent to which the boilers may be defective
For this reason, Housing Solutions remains cautious until the investigation is complete.
Sainsbury’s has confirmed that specialist testing of the boilers is scheduled for Monday 19 January. We will be updated once that testing has been completed.
Returning to your home
Based on the information available today, our preference is to support residents to return to their homes on Monday 19 January.
Returning on Monday will mean:
• Support from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service from 2.00pm, who will be on hand to provide carbon monoxide safety and wellbeing advice
• Carbon monoxide detectors will be installed in your flat as a precautionary measure, even though there is no gas supply to individual homes
Housing Solutions and the Fire Service will be available to offer reassurance and answer any questions at the point of return.
Temporary accommodation support
If you are currently staying in temporary accommodation, Housing Solutions will continue to fund this while the situation is being resolved.
If you are staying with friends or family but would prefer alternative accommodation for this evening, please contact us and we will organise this for you.
Our commitment to you
Your safety is our priority. We are continuing to work closely with Sainsbury’s, Encore, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to ensure residents are supported and informed.
We will keep you updated following the boiler testing.
Thank you again for your cooperation during a very difficult situation.
Orla Gallagher
Chief Executive, Housing Solutions
