Last updated 07:42, Friday, 14 November 2008

A GROUP of Cockermouth tenants fear a cold, damp winter after repair work on their block of flats ground to a standstill.

ANGRY RESIDENTS: Left to right: Dilys Smith, Marjorie Irving and son Paul, Joyce Birtwistle, Ivan Thompson and Gladys Halstead

Tenants at Derwent Mill flats, owned by Home Group Ltd, claim that they have not seen a builder on site for more than a month.

And a massive rack of scaffolding remains on the east elevation of the old shoe factory building, with no indication that it will be down before the New Year.

Residents say they have been plagued with anti-social behaviour since the scaffolding was erected in May, almost a year after they sent a letter of complaint.

Some scaffolding on the west side of the building was taken down last month.

Dilys Smith, 52, secretary of Derwent Mill Residents Association, had sent a letter of complaint in May 2007 to David Fisher, Home Group managing director. The letter outlined concerns over draughty and leaking windows, damp internal walls, internal decoration and ventilation.

Mrs Smith said: “We’ve not seen a builder on site for nearly a month and we’ve no idea what’s going on and if the builders will be back.

“We’ve had problems with children running around the scaffolding at night, and the police have been called on many occasions.

“This is not only intimidating to residents but it’s dangerous that kids are up there in the first place.”

With repair work to the windows at a standstill, some residents are resorting to drastic measures.

Pensioner Gladys Halstead, 75, paid more than £400 to buy makeshift double glazing for her and neighbour Joyce Birtwhistle, 82.

Mrs Halstead said: “We’ve had to put up makeshift thick plastic sheets to block out the draughts and try to gain some warmth. But some old folk can’t afford them and they’re using Clingfilm.

“It’s appalling that we’ve had to spend our own money on this and Home have done little to solve the problems.

“Most of the windows don’t fit the frames properly and the wind just gusts through.”

Majorie Irving, 56, claimed that Home Group only responded to her plea for a second heater for her ground-floor flat after son Paul, 38, was rushed to hospital in January with a bronchial condition. Mr Irving, who is almost completely paralysed, spent four weeks in the West Cumberland Hospital.

Mrs Irving said: “I don’t think I can stand living here another year; they’re playing with people’s lives.

“Paul’s bedroom is freezing cold because of the draughts.”

Female residents claim there has been a failure to repair two lamps that light the outside of the complex.

Dorothy Grace, 55, said: “There’s been a massive breakdown in communication somewhere. The two lights outside have been out for over nine months; it’s like a black hole out there.”

Home Group Ltd has not confirmed a date when work will restart to install secondary glazing and repair leaking windows.

Some work, including repainting windows, clearing gutters and repairs to roofs, has been done.

Home Group spokeswoman Alison Rose said: “We intend to install secondary glazing to the windows but there are still a few with leaks so these need to be stripped and re-sealed before that work can begin.

“We are working with Mayson Bros to ensure the work is completed as soon as possible and have held meetings with residents to update them on what is happening.

“Derwent Mill carries a listed building status and all works must comply with these regulations.”