Council tenant goes without lights for three months

Karen Scott relied on candles and battery-operated lights after council contractors partially disconnected her electricity

A woman with breathing and mobility problems has been unable to use electric lights in her south London council flat for three months, following a leak.

Karen Scott said she had relied on candles and battery-operated lights in her Kennington home since council contractors partially disconnected her electricity for safety reasons.

She said she complained to Lambeth Council about the leak and its impact on her health.

The authority apologised and said Ms Scott will be given temporary alternative accommodation while the issue is investigated.

Ms Scott said she even cancelled hospital appointments to wait at home for workmen who never arrived

Ms Scott, who has asthma and uses a walking frame, said the leak was causing mould on her ceiling, and toilet blockages have led to her having to use facilities elsewhere.

"For one year and two months I haven't been able to use the loo.

"Unfortunately I have to go to McDonalds or wait for the Oasis Hub (community centre) to open if I need a number two," she said.

'Situation is dire'

Ms Scott said despite repeated appeals for help, Lambeth Council has so far failed to fix the problems or rehouse her.

"They say they will come, sometimes they turn up, sometimes they don't," she said, and added she even cancelled hospital appointments to wait at home for workmen who never arrived.

She argued the issues also worsened her already fragile health and said she had been diagnosed with a stress-related condition.

The Salvation Army supported Ms Scott in her complaints and in a letter to Lambeth Council it urgently requested "immediate intervention" due to the "perilous and inadequate conditions of her current residence".

It continued by saying Ms Scott's "current living situation is dire and poses significant risks to her health and well-being".

Lambeth Council said Ms Scott will be moved temporarily while they investigate and resolve the leak

A spokesperson for Lambeth Council said: "Our service fell below our normal high standards in this case and we apologise to Ms Scott for the inconvenience and frustration this has caused.

“We’ve been working hard to fix this problem since it was reported to us but, unfortunately, it has been a complicated repair.

"Our contractors tried to fix the toilet and electrical issues this week, but found there was a leak affecting a number of properties."

They added: "Ms Scott will now be moved temporarily while we investigate and resolve this leak, to limit the inconvenience to her.

"Our team will also carry out mould washes on all affected properties."

Ms Scott told BBC London she is relieved to know she will be moved temporarily, but is still angry about what she has had to endure.

"For me to be using candles - I have to be buying eight, 12 candles a week.

"To survive for 13 weeks, and for them to treat me like this, it's just absurd.

"I just don't get it, I don't understand it."