A tenant in Eltham has expressed concerns over feeling “unsafe” in “terrible” living conditions in their Greenwich Council-owned flat.
Chris Clark, who has lived in the flat for more than five years, says the lack of investment into the building has led to “major health and safety issues”.
The 56-year-old, living in Coldharbour Crest, told the News Shopper that the conditions of the windows in the flats are a “total breach of health and safety”.
Chris claims that some of them have missing draught excluders which allow cold wind to enter the flats, making it "extremely difficult" to live in during the winter.
He said the result of wind blowing into the flats has also caused decay to build up on the walls.
Chris also claims that some tenants are unable to open their windows due to broken handles that haven’t been replaced since 1998.
A spokesperson for Greenwich Council said that an inspection took place in January 2022, where it was noted that the windows in Chris' flat did not require replacement but could benefit from some minor repairs.
The spokesperson added that Chris was advised at the time of inspection that the Council was experiencing difficulties in obtaining supplies due to a global shortage.
However, they said these have now been obtained and they will get in touch with Chris as “a matter of urgency”.
Chris said: “We feel neglected and no one listening to us.
“Greenwich Council doesn’t want to know about the issues that we are going through.
“It’s dangerous and I pray that someone doesn't lose their life because of the windows not being able to be open in the event of a fire.
“There are families with children living in these flats and the thought of them being in danger is worrying.”
Chris said the problems in the flats have been ongoing since he first moved in, as he claims that the council has “not been active in responding” after reporting many issues.
He explained: “After trying to reach out to them over the years, not one person from the council has visited us to look and assess the issues.
“They wouldn’t want to raise their child or families in these conditions, so why is it fair on us to live here.
“I feel like we’re being played by the council. It’s like some sort of game for them.”
Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for housing, neighbourhoods and homelessness at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said that their priority is to make sure residents are safe, secure, and comfortable in their homes.
She said that Greenwich Council is investing in its repairs service through a planned maintenance programme which will see upgrades made to hundreds of council homes.
Chris wrote an email to Greenwich Council explaining the issues on April 20 and he then received a response on May 8.
Greenwich Council replied to say that the windows were initially due for renewal between 2030 and 2031.
Within the reply, it also said that a survey was taken and that works have been prioritised for the flats between 2022 and 2027.
Chris explained: “I was shocked by what the council replied with.
“I can tell you that they’ve never visited us.
“I feel like they’re saying this just to stall us, but they never take any action.”
Chris wants Greenwich Council to take action in fixing the issues and “let people live a happy life.”
He said: “I just want people to be happy and live a normal life.
“Please Greenwich Council, just listen to us.
“Listen to us on what we have to say and fix these issues, or it might be too late if someone loses their life and can’t get out of the building due to an emergency.”
A spokesperson for Greenwich Council said: "An inspection was carried out early in January 2022, where we noted that the windows did not require replacement but could benefit from some minor repairs to ensure they were air tight.
"Some of the handles were broken in the living room and bedroom as well.
"Mr Clark was advised at the time of inspection that we were experiencing difficulties in obtaining supplies due to the global shortage and it may take several weeks for us to carry out these repairs but would contact him once parts were in our stores.
"We are pleased to have now obtained the parts and will be getting in touch with Mr. Clark to agree an appointment to fix these as a matter of urgency.”
Councillor Pat Slattery said: “Here at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, we believe that housing is not a luxury but a basic human right.
"Although we continue to face challenges with budget cuts, making sure residents are safe, secure, and comfortable in their homes remains one of the most urgent priorities for the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
"That's why we're investing in our repairs service through a planned maintenance programme which will see upgrades to hundreds of council homes over the next few years, including roofs, windows, kitchens, and bathrooms.
"Over the past 18 months, the Repairs and Investment Service have also embarked on creating an entirely new customer experience for our residents, to ensure their voices are heard and we learn from their feedback.”
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