Lockdown bonds lead Bainsford neighbours to form new residents' group

Despite the fact that the houses in Symington Drive, Bainsford, were built just six years ago, there have been huge problems with the underfloor heating system and replacement parts for its control system are no longer available.

Now, members of a newly formed residents' association say that for housing with many disabled or elderly tenants, this isn't good enough.

And that's far from the only problem they are facing.

Sharron Linnton, the association's chairperson, said: "Most of us moved in when the houses were first built and we kept ourselves to ourselves."

However, during the March lockdown, a group got together to make sure everyone in the neighbourhood could get support if needed.

As they began to talk, they shared the problems they were having with their houses - and realised they weren't alone.

After speaking to a housing officer they formed a residents' association and started to compile a list of complaints.

As they contacted more neighbours, they were surprised by the number of problems among the 67 houses and flats.

Sharron said: "By the time we had spoken to 25 residents, eleven had told us they've got problems with their heating and they are all in disability flats."

Sharron, who is herself disabled, is all too aware of the problem.

"Last Halloween I was six days without heating!" she said.

"It was eventually sorted but there are still problems - I now see the council's contractors more than I see my family!

"When I put the heating on it works in different rooms - sometimes the bathroom, sometimes the hall - but it never works in the living room.

"Now, through all the messages we've had, I'd say that no-one has heating that works in every room."

On top of this, 17 out of 25 have boiler problems which means there is no pressure when trying to take a shower or run a tap.

And 19 residents have told the committee they have door handles that need replaced.

There are also complaints about smells from drains; dampness and mould; monobloc sinking; water damage in rooms and lots more.

"The list just goes on," said Sharron.

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"People get fed up complaining because they feel that nothing gets done."

"We've only spoken to 25 people so far because with Covid we can't go door to door so we'd like to hear from everyone."

A spokesperson for Falkirk Council said: "We are aware that some replacement parts of the control system for the underfloor heating installed at a number of properties in this development are no longer available, and we are exploring with the manufacturer of the heating systems alternative controls to resolve this matter.

"In the meantime, our maintenance contractor will continue to attend to address any heating problems within individual properties.

"Other reported problems, such as cracking to the properties, will be investigated, however if these are minor in nature, then under the current restrictions, investigation of these may be delayed."

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