A housing association in South West London has faced criticism for taking a month to begin repairs on a partially collapsed ceiling in an apartment block. Residents of the building on Stuart Road, Ham, reported water dripping from the hole in the ceiling onto the stairs below, causing safety concerns. Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP), which manages the block, was accused of poor communication with residents following the incident on September 26.
Residents, including elderly individuals like 99-year-old Ruth Guy and 84-year-old Brenda Gleeson, expressed worries about the safety of the building. Brenda Gleeson, who lives on the top floor near where the ceiling collapsed, had reported significant damp in her flat to RHP for over two years. She described how water leaks down the walls during rain, leading to cracks in the ceiling and the growth of mold in her flat.
The incident in September raised fears among residents about the stability of their homes, especially with concerns about water damage to their personal belongings. Some residents struggled to reach RHP to report the incident, highlighting communication issues with the housing association. Sarah Carson, a resident in the building, expressed frustration at feeling ignored by RHP and raised concerns about the safety of vulnerable individuals living in the block.
In response to the criticism, RHP’s Executive Director of Operations, Annemarie Fenlon, acknowledged the shortcomings in communication with residents and stated that emergency repairs were underway to address the ceiling collapse. She emphasized RHP’s commitment to the safety of its customers and outlined steps being taken to improve communication and address repair concerns.
RHP has initiated repair works, including a drone survey, roof repairs, and inspections by abseilers to assess the roof’s condition. The housing association aims to complete the repairs as soon as possible to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Additionally, RHP has apologized to residents like Brenda Gleeson for the lack of communication regarding damp and mold issues in their homes and has promised to prioritize these repairs.
Residents who are experiencing similar housing issues are encouraged to contact RHP through their website or customer service hotline for assistance. The incident in South West London serves as a reminder of the importance of timely communication, proactive maintenance, and swift repairs to ensure the safety and comfort of residents in housing associations.
