Pensioner left huddled under a warm blanket (From Sutton Guardian)

Pensioner left huddled under a warm blanket

9:51am Wednesday 9th January 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

A pensioner from Wandsworth was left without hot water and central heating over Christmas and new year after a leak shorted the mains, caused his boiler to shut down and subsequently stopped his central heating from working - as temperatures plummeted to below freezing.

While most of us were in front of the fire or snuggled up on the sofa with loved ones, 66-year-old Len James sat in his freezing living room in his council-owned flat in Dungeness House, Wandsworth, with only a blanket to keep him warm.

The leak, from the apartment above his, damaged his floor, ruined the carpet, collapsed part of his ceiling and destroyed several kitchen appliances.

With further cold weather last week, he has completely lost faith in his council landlords. Mr James, founder of the Dungeness Residents' Association, said: "The council obviously doesn't think much of their tenants, particularly pensioners.

"They told me there was nothing they could do until after Christmas, which was fine for them as I'm sure all of those council workers were tucked up and warm over Christmas. We need a change of landlord.

We voted in this council to be our landlord and it has let us down.

"The council cut spending to keep council tax low to entice wealthier residents into the area. It should put council tax up to ensure that there is enough money in the coffers to help pensioners. I'm disgusted with the way I've been treated."

Mr James stayed at his brother's house in Epsom for a couple of days and then stayed at the Travelodge in Wandsworth for three nights, costing him £270. He said he could always be contacted.

A council spokesperson said: "Mr James contacted us at lunchtime on Christmas Eve to complain about a leak. Within 40 minutes, we sent an officer to his flat and the leak was stopped later that afternoon.

"At the time, Mr James indicated he was going away. If he had been staying in his flat, we would have offered him temporary heaters or alternative accommodation.

"When we tried to get access to his flat after Christmas to repair his boiler, we could not get in because he was still away, although we were in regular telephone contact with him. We did everything we could to resolve this problem quickly."

• Print
• Email
• Share