Gran in dark over kitchen leak ordeal

UPSET . . . Eliza wipes away a tear as she struggles to cope with the situation.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

WHEN an 89-year-old grandmother reported water dripping from her kitchen ceiling, housing bosses sent round an electrician to disconnect the light - but no one to fix the leak.

Eliza Price has criticised First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) after being left without light in the kitchen and shocking ceiling water damage.

It was only after the Chronicle got involved that repairs were carried out.

The grandmother reported water leaking into the kitchen and spare bedroom of her flat on Eldon Street following heavy rainfall.

Despite many calls from the family, only an electrician was sent, leaving Eliza to cook by the light of a small reading lamp while water continues to drip over kitchen table and worktops.

Mrs Price said: “It’s been a nightmare. The electrician disconnected the lights but I’ve only got a small reading lamp in the kitchen. I struggle to see and I’ve cut my finger chopping food. I don’t feel safe.”

The water damage is so bad it has swollen the flat’s door - and Eliza can’t pull it open, so has to rely on a daily visit from a family member.

It is the second time the flat has been damaged by leaking water in the 18 months since she moved in.

“When I first reported it, they came out and said they had fixed it. But it seems to be leaking again. Every time it rains it gets worse. I’m struggling to live in the flat at the moment and I’d just like First Choice Homes to help instead of treating me so shabbily.”

After being contacted by the Chronicle, FCHO apologised to Mrs Price.

Dave Woods, FCHO Homes and Investment director, said: “Unfortunately Mrs Price has been living in conditions that are not acceptable and we would like to apologise for the damage caused to the property and any distress Mrs Price may have experienced.

“We have now stopped the leak and are diverting the water outside. We have repaired the lighting and are updating Mrs Price on progress. We will be fully redecorating her kitchen once the work has been carried out.”