Freezing family left out in the cold after heating repair delays

House was without hot water as ‘beast from the east’ struck

Three generations of a Fife family were forced to brave the ‘beast from the east’ without heating or hot water.

Grandfather James Noble, 76, said the Cardenden family had been left in freezing conditions since the boiler broke on Tuesday February 27, just before the freak winter storm struck.

Mr Noble, who suffers from heart problems, said ScottishPower sent out an engineer to the home he shares with daughter Diane, son-in-law John Cowie and three grandchildren, the next day.

A new board was ordered and a repair man returned on March 6 to the family’s bitterly cold Jamphlars Place home to fit it.

However, their problems were far from over.

“That did not work and a switch was ordered,” said Mr Noble

“He came back on March 7 with that but it didn’t work either.”

The family say they have now been told it will be Monday before the repairs are carried out.

“I know it’s milder, but it’s still freezing,” said Mr Noble.

“ScottishPower left us two blowers, but they’ve not been much use.

“We’ve had no heating or hot water. Thankfully, we can still cook.”

He said the lack of basic facilities meant two of his three grandchildren – Shaun, who works as a carer in Kirkcaldy and nursing trainee Stephanie – had been forced to stay elsewhere.

“Shaun had to sleep at his work and Stephanie had to stay with her partner’s parents,” he said.

“My daughter has medical problems as well. This has been terrible. It has impacted on all of us.”

He said the family was also angered by the poor communication from ScottishPower.

“We have called repeatedly, been placed in long queues and still have no idea what is happening,” he said.

“It goes on and on – now they have said because two parts have been fitted it would have to go to a manager to authorise to get another part.”

A spokesperson for ScottishPower said: “We sincerely apologise to Mr and Mrs Cowie and Mr Noble for the problems they have experienced.

“We have attended twice to try and repair the fault. Unfortunately, we were unable to fully repair the problem.

“We have escalated the complaint and an engineer will be contacting the family to arrange a further visit.”

This has been terrible. It has impacted on all of us. JAMES NOBLE

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. James Noble at his home in Cardenden. His boiler has been broken since February 27, leaving his family with no heating or hot water.