No heating for four years

Man fears for his health in damp-ridden council flat

A COUNCIL tenant fears for his health after living in a damp ridden house without heating or hot water for four years.

Brian Donachy, 57, told the Tele he has tried for seven years to get Dundee City Council to carry out repairs to his third floor council flat in Hepburn Street.

He said the property had been damp for around seven years, and four years ago his gas boiler broke down.

Brian said: “I can’t face another winter in my house. It’s damp and cold and I have no hot water or central heating.

“In the morning the bed covers are actually wet because it is so damp.”

Brian moved into his flat around 10 years ago after living in homeless accommodation for 12 years.

He said: “I was so delighted to get my own home. It was my little palace. I keep it clean but the dampness and lack of heating and hot water means it is always musty and has plaster and wallpaper falling off the walls.

“The broken boiler means I have no hot water and had to carry pans to the bathroom just to have a bath.

He said the toilet cistern was also broken, meaning he couldn’t flush the toilet but had to pour water down it.

He said: “I have reported all of this to the council on many occasions, and while workmen have been sent round, nothing has been done.

“I can’t go on like as it’s having a massive effect on my physical and mental health. I feel I have nowhere left to turn and am desperate for help.”

Coldside Labour councillor George McIrvine said: “I will be visiting Mr Donachy to see first hand the substandard living conditions he is subjected to.”

A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said: “Due to Covid-19, we have only been able to provide emergency and urgent repairs response. This is to protect our tenants and our staff to prevent the spread of the virus and in line with guidance.

“We are now starting to progress through a backlog of external repairs as restrictions have been eased.

“This work will be carried out as soon as possible. We thank our tenants for their patience and understanding during this time.”

Brian said he has tried to get the council out for seven years.

The wallpaper is peeling due to the damp.