RESIDENTS are not being allowed to return to a block of flats hit by a major fire on Saturday morning. North Herts Homes (NHH) say ten of the 16 flats in the four-storey block in Western Way are uninhabitable leaving around 50 people remain in temporary a

RESIDENTS are not being allowed to return to a block of flats hit by a major fire on Saturday morning.

North Herts Homes (NHH) say ten of the 16 flats in the four-storey block in Western Way are uninhabitable leaving around 50 people remain in temporary accommodation provided by North Herts District Council or with family and friends.

"We are still working with other agencies to establish the extent of the damage but so far we believe ten of the 16 flats, 13 of which are occupied by our tenants, are uninhabitable and will take a considerable amount of work and time to repair," said a NHH spokesman.

Initial reports by fire brigade investigators point to the blaze, which started at the rear of the flats, being accidental.