A READING woman says the council has failed to carry out repairs to her flat more than 18 months after her initial complaint.
In October 2021, Elaine Parry-Taylor first raised issues of mould in her flat, as well as a lack of heating and hot water.
She says little work has been done to fix the flat in Corwen Road, Tilehurst, prompting her to complain about being ‘bullied’ by the council.
Earlier this year, she was sectioned at Prospect Park Hospital for three months, and during this time there were hopes that work would take place to resolve the multiple issues at her flat.
Ms Parry-Taylor said the gas supply and hot water has still not been resolved.
“I’m living miserably, and they are not getting on with anything,” she said. “It was pretty awful being stuck in that place because it was so boring, I couldn’t get out to get in touch with the world to make it known I was stuck in there.”
During her time at the hospital, council housing officers discovered asbestos roof of her flat.
While asbestos has been removed from part of the ceiling, Ms Parry-Taylor says not all work has been completed.
“Basically, it was a waste of time them putting me in there [Prospect Park Hospital], because I’m having to live like crap,” she said.
Responding to Ms Parry-Taylor’s complaints, a spokesperson for the council said: “Prior to the tenant in question being admitted to Prospect Park Hospital following assessment by the mental health team, our Housing team identified several repairs that need to be carried out to the property.
“It was not possible to progress these without the tenant allowing access to the property, but since her discharge we have been able to conduct an asbestos survey and partial removal of the ceiling in preparation for the installation of the loft insulation taking place.
“Her Housing officer has recently visited to discuss arrangements for her belongings to be moved and stored appropriately while the works are carried out. Once this has been agreed with the tenant we will be able to commence the installation work within a week.”
They continued: “With regard to other queries, we were required to cap the gas at the meter as the tenant was not paying their gas bills which has resulted in the flat having no heating or hot water.
“We discussed this issue with the tenant on several occasions and offered assistance which she did not take up.
“Once access is granted, we will be able to treat the mould, but all properties require heating and ventilation to prevent issues arising so it is important that the tenant ensures that this advice is followed.”
