NEW fire escapes that could help save dozens of lives have been approved for blocks of flats in Romsey. Residents living in flats off Broadwater Road and Banning Street will finally be given a second route to flee a fire with new steel staircases. The staircases will be erected on the side of each block to aid those living on the upper levels. This comes after a risk assessment in March 2020 revealed fire safety measures needed to be beefed up in the Mount Pleasant, Tadburn Green, Berthon House, Ashley House and St Mary s blocks, according to the housing company, Aster Group.