19 January 2026
 
Message from the Chief Executive of Housing Solutions 

Important information for residents of Providence House

Following my message to you yesterday, Sunday 18 January 2026, thank you for your continued patience and cooperation following the evacuation of Providence House on Friday 16 January, which took place as a precaution after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected in part of the building.

I appreciate how unsettling this has been, and I want to reassure you that your safety remains our absolute priority.
 
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service 
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended Providence House over the weekend and carried out safety checks throughout the building. These checks confirmed that carbon monoxide readings were at 0 parts per million (ppm).

As a further reassurance measure, the Fire Service will be attending Providence House today and tomorrow to complete Safe and Well visits. These are free, personalised home visits designed to:
      • assess fire safety risks,
      • reduce hazards within the home, and
      • provide tailored safety and wellbeing advice.

Fire Service colleagues intend to visit all Housing Solutions residents at Providence House. If you would prefer to contact them directly, you can do so via email at:SafeandWell@rbfrs.co.uk

Please do engage with them when they attend, as these visits form an important part of the overall 
safety checks.
 
Carbon monoxide (CO) detection 
As an enhanced precautionary measure, Housing Solutions is installing carbon monoxide (CO) detection equipment in both communal areas and every individual flat.

Out team on site will:
      • install the detctor in the hallway of your home,
      • explain how the detector works, including how it can link to a mobile phone for additional assurance, and
      • explain what to do if the alarm sounds. 

These measures are being put in place in addition to existing safety checks, even though there is no gas supply to individual flats.

Next steps 
We continue to work closely with key partners, including Encore and Sainsbury’s, who are responsible for the commercial elements of the building, to ensure all necessary investigations and testing are completed.

While technical testing remains ongoing, there is no carbon monoxide currently present in the 
building, and appropriate safety controls remain in place.

Returning to your home 
Following:
  • confirmation of zero carbon monoxide readings,
  • ongoing engagement from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue  Service, and
  • the installation of additional carbon monoxide detection, it is now safe for residents to return to their homes.

Housing Solutions colleagues are currently on site at St Joseph’s Church, 36 Cookham Road, SL6 7EG, if you need any help or support in moving back to your home or have any questions.
 
Our commitment to you 
Thank you again for your patience, cooperation and understanding during a very difficult situation.

Housing Solutions will continue to:
  • put resident safety first,
  • work closely with the Fire Service, the local authority and building partners, and
  • keep you fully informed should there be any further updates.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need support.
 
Kind regards
Orla Gallagher