Croydon Tenant Left in the Cold as Boiler Repairs Drag On for Weeks

Croydon: A 76-year-old woman is really feeling the chill after her boiler has been out of action for a month. Susan Plume, who has lived in her council home for 44 years, is stuck without hot water and is relying on small heaters to keep warm.

With the freezing temperatures and her ongoing health issues, she’s been shivering at night. Susan expressed her frustration, saying she expected better treatment at her age. She first noticed her boiler acting up on December 13 and quickly called the council, worried about being left in the cold during the holidays.

Initially, the repair team didn’t find any faults, but the problems kept happening. They needed parts, and the repairs were delayed. Meanwhile, her boiler was leaking water, making things even worse. Susan shared that it would fill a bucket daily, and she had to keep emptying it, which was a hassle.

Her daughter Andrea, who lives in Wales, is really concerned. She mentioned that Susan has been dealing with health issues for years, including lung problems and being a cancer survivor. Andrea is upset with how the council has handled the situation, especially since her mom doesn’t have internet access to easily report the issues.

Last Wednesday, six different contractors had visited Susan’s home, and they finally brought her a small heater. But she’s worried it won’t be enough to heat her entire house during this cold snap. Without hot water, she hasn’t been able to take a shower or wash dishes for a week.

When asked what she would do if the boiler isn’t fixed soon, Susan said she really doesn’t know. She feels like she’s living in the cold, and it’s tough on her health. The contractors have promised to come back and fix the boiler, but Susan is skeptical, saying she’ll believe it when she sees it.

Croydon Council has been contacted for a comment on the situation.