Falkirk residents plagued by stream of problems in new Blinkbonny Road council homes

Issues include wet walls needing replaced, flooding in toilets, uneven grass that is impossible to cut, the wrong taps in several bathrooms and massive problems getting electricity and gas bills.

Several residents say this has meant being "on the phone constantly" to get things sorted since moving into the 43 new homes on the site of the old Falkirk High School last summer.

Covid-19 restrictions have made everything more difficult - for residents, contractor Marshalls and Falkirk Council - but home owners believe communication could have been better.

One of the biggest challenges many faced was that the electricity and gas meters were not set up properly.

One resident said: "All of the houses were signed to Scottish Power but we all had problems because nobody knew where we were. Some of the addresses were wrong and the council took ages transferring them all which caused problems with bills."

Another resident had such difficulty getting his power supply sorted that he asked MSP Michael Matheson's office to help.

He said: "When I moved into the house I was told everything was in place but it took about two months to get things sorted with Scottish Power.

"It was so frustrating - the system was a total disgrace."

The resident - a former employee of Falkirk Council - said they even found it difficult to get their bins emptied.

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He said: "We've had to phone at least three times about it - the system they've got now is non-existent!

"I also phoned them about my grass cutting and just couldn't get anywhere - I've actually just given up."

Several residents agree that the grass is extremely uneven and is very difficult to cut, having been laid on poor soil with almost no drainage.

Another tenant said their bigger problems have been fixed, including water from the shower pouring through the ceiling and the downstairs toilet leaking badly.

But smaller problems remain - including the fact that the taps on the bathroom sinks are too small, a complaint several people share.

The residents say their new homes are lovely and they are glad to have them but they would like the many problems to be sorted more quickly.

A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “There have been some issues with the new houses at Blinkbonny Road which is normal for any new housing development.

“However, despite the restrictions on working practices imposed by COVID 19, we have been working closely with our contractor to resolve any reported issues as quickly and as safely as possible.

“A number of issues remain outstanding, such as problems with the gas and electricity smart meters, and we are liaising closely with Scottish Power and British Gas to resolve the problem.

“If tenants have any issues that they wish to report or discuss regarding their property, please contact the Central Housing Team on 01324 506070, and their enquiry will be dealt with as soon as possible.”

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