Residents of a block of Lowestoft council homes have shared their anger over their living conditions. They point out that they’re being ignored by the East Suffolk Council, and their feelings of concerns are only deepening. Mother of three Shauni Stannard, 32, said the building’s condition was ‘really bad’. While the contrast may be heartwarming, Natasha Robinson, 47, who suffered through the last three years of this block, said it’s been “horrendous.”
The block allegedly holds numerous forms of asbestos that were supposed to be abated sometime last year. This important work has been delayed until after the end of the upcoming, six-week-long holiday. During this time, tenants would be moved to temporary lodging as the asbestosis would be removed in a safe manner.
Beyond the risks of asbestos exposure, residents have to deal with a host of other problems when it comes to upkeep and sanitation. That was a primary concern expressed by residents in Stannard’s community, where collections for general rubbish are frequently overdue, creating health hazards. Yet Robinson echoed these sentiments, saying that the cleaning and sanitation services offered just aren’t enough.
“They give [the block] a deep clean once a month, but that is them coming around with just a brush and brushing away the dirt and dust,” – Natasha Robinson
Robinson’s frustrations extend beyond her job. For the last two years, she’s fought to get her broken window panes replaced in her home. Painting over leaks Other residents have described widespread maintenance problems. Andrew Fisher, 33, has lived in the block for five years with his partner and their four kids. Along with blocking residents’ access to public transportation, the rats that have taken hold around the area have contributed to residents’ concerns about safety and hygiene.
Yet the security of the block has been called into serious question. Even worse, the primary entrance gate is said to be inoperative, which poses a significant and unacceptable risk of trespass on to the sensitive property. Children living in the block have resorted to drawing on brick walls with chalk, highlighting a lack of proper play areas or community spaces.
Peter Byatt, leader of the Labour group at East Suffolk Council, touched on these resentments in an interview last week. He said the regulator’s report on the deplorable conditions served as a “wake-up call.”
“The conditions just aren’t really good enough,” – Peter Byatt
Byatt stated that tenants need to be clear and comfortable to contact the council about their concerns. He condemned the abysmal sanitation department and noted how residents have to play maid service for the city not making sure their streets are clean.
“My partner actually cleans most of it which we’re told we’re not allowed to do, but we have to because it’s disgusting,” – Peter Byatt
Robinson and other residents agree no family should have to live like this.
“I don’t think families should be put here,” – Natasha Robinson
Robinson shared her concern that the council will be underfunded to respond to these urgent needs appropriately.
“They just don’t care. They don’t have the funds maybe to do what it is we need doing,” – Natasha Robinson
As residents await the scheduled asbestos removal and improvements to their living environment, they continue to voice their concerns, hoping for swift action from local authorities.
