Residents living away from their homes in an Ipswich tower block have spoken of the difficulty they face in registering to vote for the general election. 

Those living in St Francis Tower have been out of their flats for nearly a year now, due to leaks that took place in July 2023. 

Voters said they previously faced issues during the recent Ipswich Borough Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections on May 2, but say the issues have not been resolved as the country heads into the general election.

Resident Danny Fox said: "The problem is that they have changed the locks on the door to enter the building, so now you need a passcode to be let into the building the collect your mail. 

"But it is really hard to get a hold of the management group to get the passcodes."

It means people like Mr Fox who plan to vote through postal votes are unable to confirm whether or not they can pick up their ballot from the tower. 

Ipswich Star: The buildings management changed the locks to the buildingThe buildings management changed the locks to the building (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Others have also had the same issues, with one resident claiming she now has the code to enter the building but only received it after repeatedly calling and emailing the property management group. 

She added: "It has been nearly a year, and we are still away from our homes. You could understand the lack of communication from the management initially but the fact that it is still so bad is beyond me."

During the local elections, residents had made similar complaints to which Ipswich Borough Council said that they had talked to the building's management, Inspired Property Management (IPM), and communicated with them how the residents can register to vote in these elections. 

However, residents claim that no such communication took place with them. 

Ipswich Borough Council advises people to reach out to them on 01473 432000 or email at elections@ipswich.gov.uk.

For those voting via postal vote set to be delivered to St Francis Tower, a new vote can be applied for by 5pm on Wednesday 19 June at: www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

Meanwhile, those living in hotels or other residential properties can register from there even if it’s not their permanent home. 

They and everyone else must register to vote by the end of the day on Tuesday, June 18.

Residents can register to vote at: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.