Disabled couple denied bathroom upgrade
A STANHOPE couple say they are being denied a new bathroom and feared they would not get redecoration grants because they have looked after their home too well.
Michael and Harriet Taylor have lived on Bondisle Way for 19 years and say they cannot use their shower because the water only comes out at extreme temperatures and the sink, which was second hand when they installed it in 1994, is rough and worn.
However, because it is not more than 30 years old and is described as serviceable, Dale and Valley Homes has said it won’t replace it as part of the decent homes programme which is seeing them replace kitchens, bathrooms, doors and windows at 4,000 homes in Wear Valley.
The couple believed they were also being denied redecoration vouchers to cover concrete chasms and re-paper walls after the whole house was rewired although Dale and Valley confirmed they will get £150 to redecorate.
Harriet said: “We are both disabled and I can’t tell you the amount of suffering and stress this has caused. We redecorated in December but now will have to do it again. We’ll have to save up for several months to pay for it. We are devastated.”
The couple praised the workmen who rewired their house saying they always had the couple’s best interest at heart but felt someone at the top is refusing to give them what they feel entitled to.
Michael, who suffers severe asbestos related breathing difficulties after working in Sunderland shipyards, said: “We have looked after our house too well which is why they won’t give us anything.
“Had we not replaced the bathroom we would be getting a new one.”
Weardale county councillor John Shuttleworth has also complained on the couple’s behalf. He said: “It is disgraceful that they are not getting what they are entitled to. The bathroom may only be 14 years old but if they need a new sink and shower then they should get it.”
Jack Hurst, assistant director of development for Dale and Valley Homes, said the house had been surveyed and the bathroom didn’t qualify for replacement under Government set standards.
He said: “Some issues were raised and these were passed to Dale and Valley’s contractors Gentoo for repair.
Technicians from Gentoo found both the sink and shower to be working fine.
“The works carried out on each house under the Decent Homes scheme are specific to that property so some people do not have the same works as their neighbours. This can lead to misunderstandings but we try to be very clear with each customer about what they will receive.
“In this home, workmen took extra special care not to damage delicate and valuable items in the home and we are sorry if Mr and Mrs Taylor are not satisfied with the service they have received.”
