PROTESTING residents are pleading for action at a sheltered housing block where the lift has “broken seven times this year” and empty flats are “piled with rubbish”.
Members of action group ACORN Southend gathered outside Yantlet House, London Road, Leigh on Saturday to demand action from housing association South Essex Homes.
Residents in the complex believe they have been failed by the work of contractors, with the lift breaking down seven times this year, and one flat piled from floor to ceiling with rubbish visible from the street.
South Essex Homes and Southend Council have insisted they are committed to improvements and a new tenancy services officer has been appointed to work with residents.
An ACORN spokesman said: “Over 60 per cent of Yantlet residents have signed our petition, showing the strength of support for the demands that we are making to South Essex Homes on their behalf. Residents feel extremely frustrated, ignored, and lied to. They deserve better.”
Ted Jenkins, 96, lives on the third floor of Yantlet and claims he was recently stranded in his home for ten days due to a lift outage as his COPD means the stairs are an impossible challenge.
Ted’s daughter Lesley said he has become reluctant to leave his home “because he’s dreading what he’ll face when he gets back to the building” and that the conditions at the complex have been “horrendous.”
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The protest action comes in the wake of damning judgement by the national Regulator of Social Housing, saying there were “serious failings” by South Essex Homes with “significant improvement needed”.
A joint statement from Southend Council and South Essex Homes said: “We acknowledge the concerns raised by residents of Yantlet. We take all feedback seriously and are committed to providing safe, well-maintained homes and responsive services to our tenants.
“We are aware of the issues with the lift at Yantlet, which has caused inconvenience to residents. We continue to actively manage the lift maintenance contract and are working closely with contractors to ensure that recent problems are resolved and do not recur.
“Regarding the concerns about a specific flat, as the property remains tenanted, we are unable to provide further details. However, we understand the impact this is having on neighbouring residents, and we can reassure them that the flat is safe and secure and we will continue to closely monitor the situation.
“We are pleased to confirm that a new tenancy services officer has recently been appointed to Yantlet. This dedicated officer is already engaging with residents and will be a key point of contact moving forward, helping to ensure that concerns are heard and responded to effectively.
“We value the voices of our residents and remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure Yantlet is a safe, respectful, and well-managed place to live.”
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