Boiler taking an age to be repaired as Croydon tenant shivers in the cold snap

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

A 76-year-old Croydon pensioner is bracing for more sub zero nights after being without a working boiler for a month. Susan Plume, a council tenant of 44 years, has been living without hot water and relies on small heaters to stay warm.

The icy temperatures and her long-running health battles have meant she is often left shivering ‘uncontrollably’ at night. She said: “I thought when I got to my age I would be better treated than this.”

Susan, who lives with one of her daughters at her home in Croydon, first noticed issues with her boiler on December 13. She immediately called the council, fearing she would be without a functioning boiler throughout the festive season.

The council’s repair contractors initially found no fault with the boiler but the problem persisted and further visits did not sort the issue as parts were reportedly needed and work was delayed.

Meanwhile, the boiler continued to drip water as well as malfunction.

“The boiler would more than half fill a bucket a day, so I have to keep coming in and emptying it. I put tea towels behind it, but they always get absolutely soaked,” said the former cleaner and part-time carer.

Susan’s other daughter, Andrea, 53, who lives in Wales, said: “Mum has not been well for quite a few years. She not only suffers from lung issues, but she is also a cancer survivor.

“Sadly mum also suffers from crippling depression and anxiety. Croydon Council are well aware of this, and I am appalled by the treatment she has received. Mum doesn’t have internet, so trying to get repairs, especially emergency ones, is frustrating. She has now been left for weeks and weeks without any heating, and as winter grips us, I am extremely worried about her health.”

Croydon Council’s repair contractors attended her property at Smock Walk last Wednesday, by which time the number of contractors who had visited reached six. On that occasion, they provided her with a small heater to compensate for her not being able to use her central heating properly.

Despite this, she still does not have hot water and feels that the small heater will be too expensive and won’t be sufficient to heat her whole house during the cold snap. Susan said she has not been able to take a hot shower or do any washing up in the past week.

When asked how she will manage if the boiler issue isn’t fixed soon, Susan replied: “I really don’t know. I’m not in the best of health. I really don’t need to be left in the cold at my age. I might as well be living on the street because that’s how cold it is.”

The contractors have since promised Susan they will come out to fix her boiler soon. However, she remains sceptical, saying “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Croydon council has been approached for a comment.

Pictured top: Susan Plume in her Croydon council house (Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga)