Lincolnshire couple challenge damp investigation decision into their council home

INVESTIGATIONS into a complaint of poor housing conditions in Chapel St Leonards have put the cause down to condensation.

Ellen and Bruce Wilkinson of Eastview Close recently claimed that their ill health was due to years of living in their damp, cold home provided by Linx Homes and East Lindsey District Council.

Following local media reports last month, Linx Homes carried out an investigation into the claims to see if more could be done to resolve the problem.

Director of operations at New Linx Housing Trust, Jack Whyman said: "We visited Mr and Mrs Wilkinson on February 27, and carried out a full inspection of their home.

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"We found the issues they are experiencing are due to condensation which is caused by poor ventilation and heating. "We have advised Mr and Mrs Wilkinson on how best to ventilate and heat their home and will be making some minor works to help them with this."

However, Mr and Mrs Wilkinson say they still aren't satisfied with the level of service they have received so far.

Mrs Wilkinson, 68, said: "What they have done so far is just not good enough.

"We have now got to the point where we want to leave this house as all we want is to live somewhere warm and dry."

The couple has received support from local county councillor Colin Davie who vows to support the couple until the situation is resolved.

He said: "I am disappointed that New Linx have not been able to satisfactorily resolve the issues raised by Mr and Mrs Wilkinson.

"For many tenants living in social housing, their councillor is sometimes the only voice and support they have and I will do everything I can to support them and others living in poor conditions."

Mr Whyman added: "Digital recorders have been installed to measure the temperature and humidity of their home over the next two weeks.

"We will review the results and advise Mr and Mrs Wilkinson of any further changes they can make to keep their home warm and well-ventilated, so it is as free as possible from condensation.

"We also gave advice about comparing energy suppliers so they can reduce their costs."