Row over ‘appalling’ state of Weston Rhyn council homes

Tuesday 29th March 2011, 3:38PM BST.

Residents of Brookfields Close, Weston Rhyn, complaining about the state of their flats.

People in council flats near Oswestry say they are living in appalling conditions with homes so damp it is leading to rotting windows and mould growing on the walls.

Residents say the 40 homes that make up the flats on the Brookfield Estate, in Weston Rhyn, are all affected. And they say they are being given no help from Shropshire Council.

Today the council said it was aware of the problems and was looking at what was needed for the future of the estate.

Resident Tim Wood moved to one of the flats four years ago when ill- health saw him lose his job.

He said: “We have all been asking for improvements for years but we seem to get nowhere.”

“Every windowsill is rotten because of the damp and the mould. You can just put your finger straight through the rotten wood. We have to continually wash away the black mould on the walls, it is absolutely disgusting.”

A builder by trade, Mr Wood said the houses were built as temporary accommodation decades ago, from just a single skin of brick.

“There seems to be no insulation and the damp problems are terrible. The condensation continually runs down the windows.

“No-one should have to live in these conditions in Britain in the 21st century.”

Sue Adams, head of landlord services at Shropshire Council, said: “We appreciate the properties are in need of attention, and are currently considering what is required for the future of the estate.

“We are trying to keep residents informed, and if anyone has any particular concerns about their property they should contact their housing officer to discuss the best way forward.”

View more: Weston Rhyn news.

1
ANDREW FINCH

March 29, 2011 at 16:58

Did the council tenants of north Shropshire have the chance to go over to an association? and voted against it? HA rents are dearer compared to council rents however the standard of these peoples homes would be better.

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2
john

March 30, 2011 at 11:51

My partner, daughter and i have lived on Brookfield Close for over a year and a half, and have been constantly phoning up to see whether they will be putting in new window’s etc or whether they will be relocating us and have been palmed off every time. what do they mean they are looking into the future of brookfield close , it needs sorted right now.

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3
bob

March 30, 2011 at 13:34

They could always buy thier own homes like rest of us rather than expecting top notch housing for very little money – stop complaining!

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- ANDREW FINCH
  
  March 31, 2011 at 10:26
  
  Well with all respect Bob what a very ill thought out and stupid answer, and normally spouted by the unpleasant in order for them to feel a little better about their lot in life .
  Cheapest property to buy in most Shropshire areas £164, many people I find who come out with comments like bobs bought when prices were a little more realistic and affordable or indeed are in a well paid job however all cant be in well paid jobs if they were where would we be?.
  As for wanting top notch housing well Bob they pay rent I assume? and before you pull out that other old chestnut it is subsidised by the tax payer yep it is to a point but most tenants are tax payers too.
  
  As with all things you pay for Bob you would I am sure be the first to expect a certain standard when you pay for a holiday/car/food/clothes/ and if you were to rent a home etc
  standards have been set at what is acceptable and should be eccepted by the consumer who pays for good/services etc and clearly these properties these people rent and the tax payer helps towards are not at that acceptable level that they should be, so the problem needs to be addressed and selling them off or handing over to a H,A is probably the best thing to do. But saying they should accept it or buy an house is stupid and all rather ignorant.
  
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4
t16turbo

March 31, 2011 at 20:00

This is just typical of this country! Those of us that work hard have to pay for those flats in Weston Rhyn! I suggest that the residents of Brookfields close should stop drinking excessively and taking other things during the day and get out and get a job like the rest of us! Pathetic moaners!!

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- ANDREW FINCH
  
  April 1, 2011 at 18:19
  
  It is for others to say whether you actually work hard not yourself , and clearly unless you have open access to these peoples bank accounts, postal correspondence, homes, and other private details you are making assumptions, which in turn are worthless and the ramblings of an inflated oik with a high opinion of his or herself.
  
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5
SQUIRREL

April 1, 2011 at 18:05

Let them eat cake?

No,obviously these properties are substandard. Many people do not have much choice when it comes to housing and children have no choice. Mold is unhealthy and whatever is causing it should be sorted out.

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6
john

April 2, 2011 at 11:58

I totally agree with you squirrel. My rent is £64.94 a week for living in low standards I got a child which im very worried for her health. we got rusty electric radiators which we got to pay £30 a week,which is more then we should have because of the rotten and damp single glass windows which don’t keep heat in. The council is very happy of collecting our money and yet do nothing to help us. I wish i could be rich and afford my home and would like to go to another Housing association the council is not going to let that happen.

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7
Brizziewig

April 4, 2011 at 03:06

I am astounded by these reports. England needs an ‘ARAB’ solution to the fat council bureaucrats earning so much without achieving results.
As for “contacting their housing officer” it is time it was all done by computer. That way records are kept for everyone to see.
The residents may not yet all have computers but those with can spread information.
Perhaps a “co-op” of residents can buy then choose someone to train and use a computer.
It is believed here in Australia that company letters cost $20, therefore they urge their clients to choose email,(computers)for all communication.
Wake up England!

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8
Mr Reaonsable

April 4, 2011 at 13:51

If the residents can find an alternative I would urge them to do so. Housing Associations usually maintain their properties well, certainly much better than these are being!
Tenants have rights and should continue with their complaints and act togther to have more impact.
Not everyone can afford or wants a mortgage and rental property should ALWAYS be up to standard.
Come on Council pull your finger out!!

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- ANDREW FINCH
  
  April 4, 2011 at 17:34
  
  Well said, I would also suggest to these tenants if the council have failed to remedy a problem in a reasonable time they are entitled to have the work carried out by a contractor and bill the council council direct,council tenants have exactly the same rights as a private tenant and the council as the landlord has the same duty as a private tenant. I would suggest they contact a solicitor who I am sure would explain to them their full rights and possibly act on their behalf.
  
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9
missyX

April 5, 2011 at 20:08

I have lived on the close 4yrs now n the state of repair is disgusting storage heaters which cost through the earth 2 run then the heatin goes straight out the poor conditioned windows as 4 your comment bob maybe u should get your head out ya backside n try living like this what people choose 2 do with there time should have no reflect on the standards set 2 live in maybe u should try living in the real world 4 a change instead of your stuck up 1 remember there is also young children n babies living in these conditions, you ring up 2 report a problem n nothing gets done every1 is just fobbed off with excuses anyone that thinks its fine to be left in this is a disgrace 2 the british public i understand every1 has an opinion but maybe opinions like bobs should b kept to yourself !!!

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10
stars

April 6, 2011 at 15:32

people want to get there facts right before slagging people off on brookfield close i live there and i dont drink and as for people should buy there own houses we arent all lucky enought to use mummy and daddys money when you have had to live in these properties thats when you can comment untill then keep your mouths shut

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