A mum from Reading has accused the council of ongoing failure to carry out repairs to her flat more than a year and a half after complaints were made.

Elaine Parry-Taylor has raised complaints about mould proliferation and being left without heating and hot water at her flat since October 2021.

Despite the issue being raised she says little work has been done to fix the flat she lives at in Corwen Road, Tilehurst, prompting her to complain about being ‘bullied’ by the council.

Earlier this year, she was sectioned at Prospect Park Hospital.

There were hopes that work would take place to resolve the multiple issues at her flat.

However, Ms Parry-Taylor has reported that the issues surrounding lack of gas supply and hot water remain after being in the hospital for over three months.

She said: “I’m living miserably and they are not getting on with anything.

“It was pretty awful being stuck in that place because it was so boring, I couldn’t get out to get in touch with the world to make it known I was stuck in there.”

READ MORE: Reading mum's mould stricken flat still not sorted five months on

During her time at the hospital, council housing officers discovered asbestos in the roof of her flat.

While asbestos has been removed from part of the ceiling, Ms Parry-Taylor claims that work is outstanding on the rest of it.

She said: “Basically it was a waste of time them putting me in there [Prospect Park Hospital], because I’m having to live like crap.”

Reading Chronicle: Very bad mould and water staining on the ceiling of Elaine Parry-Taylor's council flat in Tilehurst. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy ReporterVery bad mould and water staining on the ceiling of Elaine Parry-Taylor's council flat in Tilehurst. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter

Responding to Ms Parry-Taylor’s complaints, a spokesperson for the council said: “Prior to the tenant in question being admitted to Prospect Park Hospital following assessment by the mental health team, our Housing team identified a number of repairs that need to be carried out to the property.

“It was not possible to progress these without the tenant allowing access to the property, but since her discharge we have been able to conduct an asbestos survey and partial removal of the ceiling in preparation for the installation of the loft insulation taking place.

READ MORE: Reading mum's housing nightmare continues as sinks become blocked

“Her Housing officer has recently visited to discuss arrangements for her belongings to be moved and stored appropriately whilst the works are carried out and once this has been agreed with the tenant we will be able to commence the installation work within a week.

“With regard to other queries, we were required to cap the gas at the meter as the tenant was not paying their gas bills which has resulted in the flat having no heating or hot water.

“We discussed this issue with the tenant on a number of occasions and offered assistance which she did not take up.

“Once access is granted we will be able to treat the mould, but all properties require heating and ventilation to prevent issues arising so it is important that the tenant ensures that this advice is followed.”