Lupin Court of Clays Close is a retirement housing complex that has been catering to the elderly since 1991.
Now, under the ownership of housing company Sanctuary, the building has been without a working boiler for several days, leaving the residents feeling the cold during an unseasonably cool April.
Paul Harding of Walcott visits the building regularly as his father Royston is one of the residents at the Stratton flats.
The 68-year-old was surprised about the issue given its health impact on the older residents.
Lupin Court can be found in Stratton and houses around 40 residents. (Image: Dave Cox)
“There is no heating and that is a major inconvenience as many of the residents rely on the heating,” said Paul.
“They don’t have access to washing lines as many people are bedridden and even my father’s mobility is limited to walking along corridors with a walking frame.”
Paul’s father is 93 years old and has been a resident at Lupin Court for more than 20 years.
“There are not many options for him at that age and this is particularly troublesome as we aren’t even in the summer yet,” said Paul.
“He is deaf and partially sighted and when you’re 90 years old you can’t move so you get cold quick.”
The building caters for over 40 people and these residents have been left angered by the lack of a working boiler.
Elderly residents have feared for their safety due to the lack of heating in the Swindon building. (Image: Getty)
“My father is furious with it all as he’s frustrated that he can’t deal with these things himself,” said Paul.
“He is freezing cold and it would be a concern if it happens again in winter as he doesn’t have the endurance at that age.”
The boiler was broken for three days last week but this is the fifth day broken after it was repaired and no further repairs have been enacted.
“I’m so frustrated as promises keep being made but it hasn’t been solved, I don’t believe them as it is not happening,” said Paul.
“They’re polite enough but no one seems to deal with it, leaving me feeling disappointed.”
Lupin Court is ran and maintained by Sanctuary. (Image: Dave Cox)
A spokesperson for the housing company said: “We are committed to supporting our residents and resolving the intermittent issue with the boiler as soon as possible.
“Our specialist contractor is onsite again this afternoon, Thursday, April 27, to carry out additional work and we are sorry for the inconvenience our residents have been caused.”
