A housing association insists repairs are being made to a block of flats ravaged by fire on the Isle of Wight, after concerns were raised over the safety of residents still living there.

A blaze broke out at a building on Hookes Way, off the dual carriageway in Newport in October last year.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said it started in a stairwell and at the time, police confirmed it was being treated as suspicious.

Nearly four months on, what remains is charred brickwork and burnt railings.

Read more: Isle of Wight police investigating suspicious Newport flat fire

Damage is also evident to the ceiling of the building, which is run by Sovereign Housing.

The County Press has been told there has been 'little movement on any repair work'. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Damage caused to a block of flats after the fire in October, since cleared but damage still remains.Damage caused to a block of flats after the fire in October, since cleared but damage still remains. (Image: Contributed)

Isle of Wight County Press: What it looks like now. Charred bannisters in the Hookes Way building.What it looks like now. Charred bannisters in the Hookes Way building. (Image: Contributed)

It is also claimed the communal area, which is used by residents, is "dangerous".

Sovereign Housing told the County Press it has been working to give customers "as much comfort as possible while preparing permanent repairs".

A spokesperson said: "This included the fitting of temporary fire doors and the boarding of windows. 

"Replacement glazing is planned for installation imminently together with permanent, new fire doors.

"As part of the repairs, SNG will also replace the temporary lighting wiring circuit and replace the ceiling in the communal area.

"The external and internal masonry will also be given a complete wash down by the end of this week."