Shower problems take months to fix

A disabled woman, living in an assisted living care home, could be forced to take a shower at her sister’s home down the road after months of problems in her one-bedroom flat.

Irene Menzies, 72, moved into Green Meadows, Colwell Road, Freshwater, in June and has suffered waste-pipe problems with the walk-in shower ever since, despite repeated attempts to repair it.

Irene said: “When I first moved in, the bottom of the shower bowl would flood. A plumber was brought in and said it needed new pipework. But it kept leaking and then the person in the flat below said his bathroom ceiling had water coming through it, which has affected all his lighting.

“Since then, they have been back four times to try and fix the problem and seal the leak and they have to lift the whole flooring every time. I’ve now been told they can’t get anyone out until January 24!

“There is an assisted bathroom opposite me which has been out of action for months and, during the summer, I was able to use a guest room, but that is now booked up.

“I was given the opportunity of moving elsewhere, but the previous tenant was a chain smoker and the whole place needed carpets and completely redecorating, so it would have been too much for me.”

Now Irene, who has had three spinal operations and suffers with COPD, a lung disease, has to go to her sister, Iris, for a shower.

She added: “It’s so frustrating; I am not living the way I should be living. The building is just two years old, but this has taken away my independence.

“It’s a beautiful flat, but it’s not a beautiful life for me.”

A spokesman for Southern Water apologised. He said: “Our contractor is awaiting parts and will fit a new shower tray in January, which we’re confident will resolve the problem.

“We carried out repair work in September and believed the shower was fixed. However, additional work was required.

“The impact on the flat below is minimal, and Ms Menzies can continue to use her shower. We will restore any damage to the flat below following repair. Ms Menzies should contact us if there’s anything further we can do to support her.”

pic: Irene Menzies in her shower room