Gran Left Unable to Sleep in Bedroom After Housing Association Removes Ceiling
Isabella Fields, a 75-year-old grandmother, has been left in a predicament after a housing association contractor removed the ceiling in her bedroom following a leak issue at her Glasgow home. Isabella, who has resided in the Methil Road property for half a century, expressed her distress, stating, “I think it is disgraceful. It’s not acceptable for someone my age.”
The ordeal began shortly after Christmas when Isabella was informed by a contractor, acting on behalf of River Clyde Homes (RCH), that her entire bedroom ceiling needed to be dismantled. However, she was not prepared for the month-long disruption that would ensue before the repairs were completed.
Isabella, who is the guardian of four grandchildren since her daughter Julie passed away in 2009, highlighted the impact the upheaval has had on her family. With some of her grandchildren residing with her, their lives have been significantly disrupted by the situation.
The contractor stripped down the ceiling due to concerns over asbestos and the inability to repair it after multiple attempts to fix the leak. Isabella was assured that RCH would send someone to complete the job promptly. To her dismay, upon contacting RCH the following day, she was informed that the repair would not take place until February 10 due to a backlog, leaving her feeling neglected and abandoned.
Isabella’s health has suffered amidst the chaos, with a series of serious conditions exacerbating her distress. She expressed her dismay, stating, “It’s freezing, I’ve the heating on constantly, are River Clyde Homes going to pay for the heating? It smells really damp as well, the insulation is hanging from the ceiling. It’s ridiculous in this day and age.”
Her daughter, Lorraine, criticised the handling of the situation, comparing the efficiency of private contractors to council services. She highlighted the disruption caused to the family, especially affecting her grandson, Callum, who has Asperger’s and struggles with changes to his routine.
In response, a spokesperson for River Clyde Homes explained that the ceiling replacement was expedited to January 27 to address the issue promptly. The spokesperson reiterated the commitment to resolving repairs swiftly while prioritising the safety and comfort of tenants.
The incident involving Isabella Fields sheds light on the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals when housing repairs are mishandled, underscoring the importance of efficient and compassionate housing maintenance practices.