'Forgotten' flats with a leaky roof where the hallway sometimes resembles a paddling pool

The council says it will carry out work to redirect rainwater

MP Lee Anderson has slammed his local council after meeting with residents at a block of flats who say they feel "forgotten" amid issues including a leaking roof. One tenant says her hallway in the accommodation block sometimes resembles a paddling pool, with issues dating back as far as 2017.

Mr Anderson, the MP for Ashfield, visited residents of Summerhill Court in Huthwaite. The block of flats was built in 1976 and is managed by Ashfield District Council, which says it has scheduled work to redirect rainwater.

The Ashfield MP says that during his visit to Summerhill Court, he witnessed issues including missing ceiling tiles and electric wires hanging down. Mr Anderson said: "Today I visited the residents of Summerhill Court in Huthwaite to look at the repairs, they need doing ASAP. I have already intervened once to get the Ashfield Independent-led council to make this facility safe and I am doing so again."

Carol Hayes, a resident of Summerhill Court, said: "Myself and several of our tenants have been in touch with the council over the leaking roof that we have had for many years when it rains. Nothing seems to be done about it.

"At times it is like a paddling pool as we try to walk down the hallway." Another tenant added: "Regular maintenance has never been done in this building, we feel forgotten."

John Bennett, the executive director for place at Ashfield District Council said: "We were made aware of issues at Summerhill Court relating to the internal fall pipes within the building prior to the MP's visit and acted on this issue immediately. We have already had a specialist cleaning company attend, who have shampooed and dried the carpets and our officers have visited the building on numerous occasions since reported.

"We have met with our contractor on site and work has been scheduled to commence from 7 October to redirect the rainwater. Once we know this work has been successful, we will then look to fix any remaining damage. Issues raised are incredibly important and we would urge the MP to contact us directly with any concerns to ensure he is aware of all appropriate action taken."