A Manx-based company has been fined more than ?11,000 for running flats in England so dangerous that Royal Mail refused to make deliveries there.

The building in Eastbourne became the subject of an investigation after residents complained about raw sewage spilling into a hallway, rot and mould on walls, and damaged fire doors.

Eastbourne Borough Council launched a prosecution after Raees International failed to bring the apartments up to standard.

The company, which has its registered offices in International House on Castle Hill, Douglas, admitted 26 offences against the UK’s Housing Act and Houses of Multiple Occupation regulations.

Jason Roberts reports:

(Text of attached audio)
Raees bought the seven apartments in 2004 and appointed another company to oversee their day to day running.

But council inspectors discovered fire safety measures had been removed, drains were blocked, stairways were damaged and dangerous and fire escapes obstructed.

Water pouring through the ceiling and onto the front staircase led to the UK mail service refusing to make deliveries there.

Raees International was fined ?11,300 and ordered to pay over ?5,000 in costs.