A pensioner has had a “rotten Christmas” after a major leak left her kitchen repeatedly soaked with water over the festive season.
Sheila Anderson, 70, from Whitefield, lives in a flat on Oak Lane managed by housing association, Onward Homes.
Ms Anderson said water was seeping into her home due to a water leak in the flat directly above hers.
She says that the housing association told her at the time that they “cannot do anything about it until the tenant gives them access”.
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She reported it to the housing association on Friday, December 20.
Onward sent an emergency engineer out on the same day but they were unable to stem the leak.
Instead, Ms Anderson claims that they removed the lightbulb in her kitchen on told her not to use the switch.
She said: “I’ve had a rotten Christmas – it’s been ruined.
“They say they can’t do anything until the tenant is home but they are staying with a relative. Surely they [Onward Homes] have a key?”
Ms Anderson has limited mobility and uses oxygen to help her breathe.
She lives with her grandson, Cade, 29, and says that she would be “stuck” without him.
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She added: “I have been calling them every day. My grandson is emptying pans and bowls of water which I’m grateful for as I wouldn’t be able to lift them if he wasn’t here.
“It’s been going on for more than a week and I don’t know where to turn anymore, I’m desperate.
“My microwave has been water damaged but my main worry is slipping on the kitchen floor. I can’t just leave.”
Onward has apologised about the situation.
In response, an Onward spokesperson said: “We acknowledge that this has been a distressing time for Ms Anderson and apologise for the inconvenience that this has caused.
“After becoming aware of issues at Ms Anderson’s home, we visited her on the same day to identify the source of the leak and undertake necessary safety checks.
“We have completed repairs to resolve the leak and will carry out further repairs to Ms Anderson’s home to fix any damage caused.
“In the meantime, our teams will also contact her directly to understand if she needs any extra support from us.”