Derwentside Homes tenant upset by repairs

Sep 13 2009 by Mr Justice, Sunday Sun

I asked Derwentside Homes if they had anything to say.

Procurement and partnering manager Colin Kingshott told me Ann had been given priority because of her disability.

He said: “Mrs Anderson notified FHM that she is disabled and, as a result, work was accelerated and completed four days ahead of target.

“We did not arrange temporary accommodation for Mrs Anderson because she stated she would be staying with her partner during the works.” Ann, however, said she did not make any private arrangements to stay with a friend.

Colin went on: “We appreciate customers often have a lot of questions about the improvement work, which is why we issue an information pack, which Mrs Anderson received

“Derwentside Homes will not force any tenant to have any works carried out to their homes unless these works are necessary due to health and safety grounds.

“This is not a threat: we just recognise that it is the customer’s choice whether work is carried out.

“Derwentside Homes has invested £11,300 in improving Mrs Anderson’s home.

“£380 of it was spent on decorating her kitchen, bathroom and living room.

“Although Mrs Anderson took photos of the affected rooms and jobs that have not been finished, these works were only 25 per cent complete at this stage.

“We make every effort to explain that the work will cause significant inconvenience and this is included in a DVD and information pack given to each tenant.

“We are currently investigating claims that Mrs Anderson’s daughter went through the floor, injuring her ankle, and we cannot comment further at this stage.

“It is unfortunate that Mrs Anderson didn’t come directly to Derwentside Homes to make her complaint, as we work hard, alongside FHM, to build and maintain excellent customer relations and satisfaction at all times whilst keeping the level of disruption to a minimum.”