A family have complained that they are unable to wash due to a boiler failure at the high-rise block of flats where they live in Reading.
The family of three live in a block of flats in Granville Road, Southcote, which is managed by Reading Borough Council.
The Dad, known as Mr K, has complained that the family have been without hot water for the past two weeks.
Despite several visits and attempts by contractors acting on behalf of the council, the problem remains unresolved.
He said: “We have been told that there may be an issue with a sensor and/or the hot water pump, but no permanent solution has been provided.
“As a result, my wife, daughter and I have had to heat water using kettles and use buckets to wash and shower.
“Having to live in these conditions for two weeks is extremely difficult and distressing.
“The situation is having a significant impact on our wellbeing and mental health.
“I have existing health concerns, including being pre-diabetic and having previously suffered a heart attack.
“My wife works at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, and it is very upsetting that our family continues to be without a basic service such as hot water.
“I have spent many hours contacting the council and contractors, often being passed between departments and waiting long periods for updates. Different contractors have attended but have advised they are not qualified to carry out the necessary works, which has only added to the delay.”
The council was therefore asked for a clear timetable for repairs and what is being done to restore a reliable hot water supply.
A council spokesperson said: “Our contractor attended the property and identified the parts required to complete the repair, which were ordered.
“Due to the lead time for delivery, we are expecting the parts early this week and contacted the tenant on Friday (September 4) to keep them informed.
“We will also arrange a further visit to check the immersion heater, as this was confirmed to be working on Wednesday, August 26, when our contractor last attended the property.”
The four Granville Road high-rise flats were built in 1958 as part of a wider council programme of post-war council house building, with Southcote expanding significantly during the 1950s as the town sought to address housing shortages.
The blocks were externally insulated in the late 1980s to improve energy efficiency.
The safety of the four towers were reviewed following the Grenfell Tower fire disaster in 2017, with the council confirming that the blocks have two communal staircases and flats have individual smoke alarms.
