Council tenant desperate for help as water leaks threaten electricity kit

Anthony Swann (47) was left without power for two-and-a-half months over Christmas — and his woes have worsened since.

He believes structural problems with the house on Bradgate Road in Kimberworth have led to the leaks, which regularly see water get onto joists, pipes, cables, meters and the electricity junction box in the cellar.

Mr Swann has provided medical advice from his GP to Rotherham Council saying he needs to be placed close by to be near family — but has so far only been offered inappropriate properties miles away.

And the confusion became worse when RMBC sent a removals van to pick up furniture, wrongly believing he had accepted an alternative tenancy.

Mr Swann, who lives with his 19-year-old son, said problems with the heating system had started soon after they moved in about two years ago.

This was followed by the gas being out from December 2022 to February this year — and the frustrated resident says the utility company has refused to carry out further repairs until RMBC solves the water leak issue.

“I told them at the time in December but they didn’t do anything,” he added. “They just went on their Christmas holidays and left me.

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“Now they have been sending me letters saying I owe them council tax, when I’ve paid it all.

“In February, they said I was moving out, but they only offered me two places, at Rawmarsh and Catcliffe, when I’ve given them letters from my doctors saying I need to stay near family members.

“There are gaps in the walls,” added the site labourer, who is currently signed off work because of his health difficulties.

“There are leaks all around, including in the cellar and on the switchboard, so the gas people won’t do any more until that’s sorted.

“The council sent a delivery driver to take the settees and a cabinet. But no-one has given me a key to another property.

“So I said no and told my tenancy support worker.”

After the removals van unexpectedly turned up on June 9, Mr Swann began packing anyway — in the hope of his living arrangements being sorted soon.

He added: “I’ve packed all my stuff up just in case, because I just don’t know what’s going to happen.”

James Clark, RMBC’s assistant director of housing, said: “The council is continuing to support the resident to ensure the issues reported are resolved as soon as possible.

“This is a complex case which requires a comprehensive programme of repairs.

“We are currently working to find suitable accommodation which meets the tenant’s needs while the works take place.

“We would like to apologise for the delays the tenant is facing.

“The council does work with all tenants to ensure that their accommodation needs are met, however this can sometimes lead to some delays due to the availability of suitable properties.”