RESIDENTS living in a block of flats in Warminster are relieved that work will finally start on improving their dangerous living conditions.

Families have been looking for ways to move out of flats above Three Horseshoes Walk because they say the building, which was built in the 1970s, is a death trap.

Managing agents Hartnell Taylor Cook said they were aware of the problems and would deal with the dangerous faults urgently.

Tracey Cross is pleased action will be taken because she fears the health risks to her children, Ben, 6, and Donna, 18, because of the catalogue of problems with the building. Water drips from holes in the ceiling onto an electric cooker, plugs are burned out and the toilet leaks into the bath.

The mother of two has been living in the flat for 12 years and said things have got so bad she has to take anti-depressants.

"I'm a bit relieved but I'll believe when I see it," she said.

"It is really getting me down. My own mother didn't want to come into the flat because it is in such a bad way."

Miss Cross, 37, who lives with her partner Gary, has been on a housing waiting list for the last 12 years but has not accumulated enough points to get priority.

She said: "We only have two bedrooms one is used by our daughter Donna and we have to share the other with our son. There is no privacy for any of us I'm at the end of my tether."

Miss Cross had turned to west Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison and environmental officers for help but they have been unable to find a quick-fix solution.

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said his baby was sleeping in a room without any heating.

"It has been like this for years but nobody seems interested about doing anything," he said.

Warminster town councillor Chris March said he was appalled at the condition of some of the flats.

"The agents who own the flats have changed over the years and I hope the new owners will do something."

Hartnell Taylor Cook has already refurbished some of the flats and revamped the Three Horseshoes Walk. They now plan to tackle the rest of the site.

Spokesman Paul Winteringham said: "We took over the flats last October and have inherited some horrendous problems. The dangerous faults will be made a priority. We realise we have a certain responsibility for them and will not shy away from this."