Disabled man left to wash in the sink after Greenwich housing association removed shower
BY CALUM FRASER
calum@slpmedia.co.uk
A distraught disabled resident has criticised his landlords after they removed his shower, leaving him to wash in a sink for a month.
David Batchelor, of Pelton Road, Greenwich, said he has been living in a rot and mould-infested house with his carer for the past three years.
Mr Batchelor’s landlords, Hyde Housing Association, sent workers around to remove tiling in his bathroom when it found rotten wooden boards.
He now has to wash in the sink as plumbers plan to come back at a later date to sort the tiling and the shower.
The 58-year-old, who suffers from macular degeneration, arthritis of the spine, and anxiety, said: “I have been through an awful time.
“We’re trying to make it look nice.
“This is a slum, I can’t even have a shower or bath for one month.
“Neighbours have offered their help but I feel embarrassed to ask people. Not having a shower for a month. My body could break down.
“Doctors are offering me anti-stress pills, like Valium. I don’t want them.”
Mr Batchelor moved to the house in Pelton Road three years ago with his live-in carer Allan William.
He claims that damp in the house has aggravated the severe bronchial asthma he has and has caused more than £5,000 worth of damage to his possessions.
Linda Colburn, director of property services said: “We would like to apologise to Mr Batchelor for the inconvenience this has caused and thank the Mercury for bringing this to our attention.
“We are continuing to work with the local environmental health team on improvements to Mr Batchelor’s home and will be fitting a new shower and tiling his bathroom this week.
“In the meantime we are arranging for somewhere else for him to stay while we carry out works to his bathroom.”
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