Free Press News

Chepstow resident's battle over leaking bathroom

2:20pm Thursday 2nd September 2010

A CHEPSTOW resident has been unable to take a bath for over a year when it is raining, because of a leaking roof in his house.

Gary Jones, 46, a tenant at the property in Bridge Street has repeatedly complained to his landlord Monmouthshire Housing Association about the problem for the last 12 months but it has failed to find the leak.

Mr Jones who has lived in the house for more than 12 years said: "It's ridiculous, as I can't take a bath when it's raining. Then I have to wash out water and grit before I use it.

"I took action by drilling holes to drain water into the bath to prevent the ceiling from collapsing."

In desperation Mr Jones contacted the Free Press for help. He added: "They promise things and it doesn't get delivered. They are failing on customer service. I have been patient and it's affecting me with stress."

A Monmouthshire Housing Association spokesman said that workmen and its maintenance officer had visited the house on numerous occasions but had failed to find anything wrong.

"We have offered to visit the property again when there is heavy rain but the access times are severely limited due to the occupant's work commitments," the spokesman added.

After the Free Press contacted the association this week, a maintenance officer again inspected the property and finally agreed that there was a problem.

Mr Jones said: "The inspector came and he's been in the attic. I found the leak for him and showed him. Now, he admits it's not condensation, and as water is leaking through, he said 'yes it's a leak'.

It's funny what contacting the local press can do."

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