The over-60s community at Walwyn Gardens in Bristol is meant to be having building work carried out (Picture: James Curran/BristolLive)
A bunch of pensioners say their supported living complex is a ‘hell hole’ because of incomplete building work.
The building work by Synergize Ltd at Walwyn Gardens, Bristol, got underway four months ago but since then it has stalled according to residents.
Resident James Curran, 66, said he was told by Bristol City Council that it has ‘suspended all non-urgent repairs’ while it focuses on the Barton House tower block.
The council told him to email again on January 15.
Many of the residents feel left behind, trapped, and feel their quality of life has diminished since the building work was started.
It has even left James feeling depressed and anxious and he said: ‘Most people who live here are trapped in their flats and don’t get out and about due to safety. There are residents in their 80s and 90s here. It is a hell hole.
‘I haven’t slept in a month, I am fed up with the work and even the most optimistic residents have lost hope. I am trying to get out of here, I can’t wait to leave.’
Complaints about the block of flats were made as early as 2019 when residents threatened to withhold rent.
The whole of the supported housing complex now looks like a ‘hell hole’ according to residents (Picture: James Curran/BristolLive)
The council apologised in 2020 and promised the refurbishment which is now taking place.
It said: ‘Walwyn Gardens requires certain investment to meet statutory health and safety standards. Furthermore other elements of the comprehensive refurbishment are already overdue as a result of multiple option appraisals over the past several years.’
But James said many of the plans were scaled back due to cuts to the budget.
He added: ‘They started doing scaffolding however they stopped that two months ago and since December no work has taken place.
‘They cut down trees in a beautiful garden, they’ve destroyed it. It used to belong to the residents that live here, it is so poor for our wellbeing.’
Other residents have also experienced black mould and condensation in their flats because of the work.
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James added: ‘They were wanting to replace our windows since we have single glazing.
‘I’ve tripped on debris left at our flat, our walkways get flooded when it rains. It will turn into a skating rink when it freezes. Why have they done that?
‘Do they not care about us? Are Synergize not bothered about us?
‘It’s so sad for everyone. It feels like everything is crumbling around you.
‘My mental wellbeing is important. I just want to cut my losses and move on at this point.’
Bristol City Council and Synergize Ltd were both approached for comment but are yet to reply.
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They are now suffering with depression and anxiety.