Middleton: Residents of condemned flats ‘completely in the dark’

“These are two defenseless, elderly gentlemen; they could die,” said Stuart Potts, who runs the Saving People Shelter Project.

“If you are not going to offer anyone any alternative accommodation, no one in their right mind will go out on the streets, especially as winter approaches,” he added.

A spokesman said Bury Council had said it was “clearly concerned whether vulnerable people were still on the property” and asked Mr Potts for details about the two men.

Mr Potts said the local authority was trying to get hold of all freeholders and landlords so work could be agreed to bring the building up to standards.

The building consists of a combination of privately rented and resident-owned apartments.

A council spokesman said: “The council took action to assist residents immediately after last year’s fire, providing some with temporary accommodation in a hotel and permanent re-housing for those who were higher priority.” he said.

But he added that ultimately the prohibition notice on the building meant that “no one should live there.”

Mr Cook and Mr Henry’s landlords have been contacted for comment.