Single mum from Portsmouth left without hot water for three months

Single parent Zoey Tauqir has been bathing her now 12-week-old daughter Lucy in the kitchen sink following the discovery that her new flat in Sanctuary Housing-run Bramley House, in Southsea, had no hot water in the bathroom.

Zoey, who moved into the two-bedroom flat in Crabbe Court on October 16, immediately contacted Sanctuary Housing about the issue.

However, after one failed repair job and another booked appointment where no one turned up, she was told it could not be fixed by replacing the water pump until February 8.

Zoey, 30, said: 'It's been really horrible, it's been a struggle.

'Lucy was born about a week after I moved in and so it's been difficult bathing her in the kitchen sink especially when the room is so cold. And I've been having to wash using the sink because I can't use the bath or shower at all.

'Life is difficult enough with the pandemic and being a new mum and this has just made things worse. And because it's winter it's even more difficult.'

But since being contacted by The News, Sanctuary Housing has said the necessary repairs will be carried out this week.

A spokesman said: 'We are sorry for the time it has taken to resolve the intermittent issues with hot water at this property and for the concerns this has caused our tenant.

'While we have attended immediately and carried out repairs when the problems have been reported, it has been established that a new water pump is required to complete the work.

'We can confirm that the installation of the new pump has been arranged for Wednesday, January 13.'

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Zoey had been living in council-provided temporary accommodation for seven months prior to moving in. She added: 'It is a relief knowing it's finally going to be fixed but I hope it is done properly this time.

'And it should not have taken three months to get fixed.

'I just worry that this could be happening to other families in Portsmouth.'

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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