Young mum pleads for new council home as flat drenched during roofing work

A YOUNG mum has blasted New Forest District Council for allowing rain water to pour into her home due to a leaking roof.

The tenant (23) and her partner (30), who wish to remain anonymous, have two children but told the A&T that the flat at Hanover House in Testwood Lane, Totton was not safe to live in after four rooms were affected.

The tenant, who has lived at the property since 2013, said: “We are having a new roof done and they took all old slates off at once instead of in sections. The leaks started in my lounge, pouring down my wall and into a plug socket.

“When we had bad rain, it then leaked through my loft and through my bedroom light fitting, down my children’s bedroom wall (pictured) and off my kitchen extractor fan.”

She added: “It is not in a fit state to live in. We feel the council just keep fobbing us off. We think they should be finding us a new home, not temporary accommodation until it’s fixed.”

She added that the home already suffered with mould and there had also been previous leaks.

Brian Byrne, NFDC’s service manager for housing estates management and support, said: “We commissioned contractors to undertake works replacing the roof of Hanover House.

“We are working with the contractor to resolve a number of issues. I and other officers have visited tenants and I would reassure them that we are addressing the issues and concerns as a matter of priority.

“During these visits, affected tenants have been offered alternative accommodation until completion of the works. To date, no tenant has requested to be moved but the offer continues to be an option for those affected.”

He added: “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will ensure that any remedial works are carried out at the earliest opportunity.”