Tenants in tower block with no scorching water declare it is in opposition to their human rights

Residents of a leak-plagued tower block, left shivering without hot water for days, have slammed the conditions as a violation of their ‘human rights’, expressing dread over the approaching winter.

For years, persistent leaks have been a blight on Fellows Court in Hackney, East London, culminating in a major incident last December that resulted in the flooding of its concierge office which remains shut to this day.

The dilemma intensifies in the 1960s-era building with its hot water complications, allegedly linked to reliance on a makeshift boiler system.

Long-term tenant David Coleman insists the absence of heat transgresses fundamental human rights, stating: “Heating and hot water are basic necessities. If this was a hotel, there would be uproar.”

“If it was a private landlord, the council would be on to them saying you have to provide these services.”

David alleges that Hackney Council has informed residents they won’t have heating until October, despite dropping temperatures in their homes.

The chilling situation worsens particularly for the elderly occupants who have made heartfelt appeals to authorities for warmth, only to face rejection.

With the hot water intermittent, David himself has had to seek alternate accommodations multiple times over the fortnight.

David asserts: “We feel there shouldn’t be a timetable for when the heating comes on. We’re living in the 21st century and we’ve got no control over the heating.”

Residents are left in the cold as David reports, “There’s no maintenance done on the system through the summer months. Then, they turn it back on in October and it fails, and it takes weeks then to get it up and running.”

He also highlighted the financial strain, saying, “Numerous people are using electric heaters but then they’re paying double or treble to heat their homes. It’s not right.”

David further criticised the charges, stating, “They can’t be charging us for the heating in the weekly service charge when it’s not even on for half the year.”

Persistent leaks have led engineers to frequently shut off heating and hot water, prompting David to call on Hackney Council for a lasting fix.

Steve Waddington, Hackney’s strategic director of housing services, acknowledged the tenants’ and leaseholders’ “frustrating” ordeal and conceded that the boiler system breaks down “more than we would like”.

Mr Waddington explained, “To replace the whole heating and hot water system is a multi-million-pound major piece of work which will take time to plan and implement.”

He added, “In the meantime, we will also be surveying the existing system to, where possible, repair or replace any necessary pipework or joints to minimise the potential for future leaks.”

As winter approaches, he assured, “The system is now due to be turned on as we get ready for the winter months.”

“We have completed works and tests to ensure it is ready and we will continue to monitor any issues with the system so we can get them resolved as soon as possible.”

He encouraged anyone experiencing problems to get in touch with the repair centre on 020 8356 3691.