OLDER and disabled people left without heating and hot water for a week have accused their landlord of not giving a damn about them.

A communal boiler which serves all 31 apartments at Plevna Mews, in Shildon, broke on Saturday, August 13.

Residents, all aged over 55 and many with illnesses or disabilities, had to boil kettles or pans of water to wash themselves and do the dishes until it was fixed yesterday.

They say a succession of excuses were given by Railway Housing Association as to why it took so long.

John Marshall, 72, said: “We rang the emergency number provided and someone came out that morning, I went to the boiler room with him and my glasses steamed up, there was hot water pouring onto the floor because a valve was broken.

“We had to ring back time and again, at first they were waiting for three quotes before arranging the work, a contractor was on holiday for a fortnight, then there was a problem getting the part.”

Wife Ann added: “Day after day there were reasons it hadn’t been sorted.”

The couple feel the tenants were let down as they pay a service charge to maintain the building, along with their rent, and there have been repeated problems since the flats opened in 2010.

Joyce Hasler, 93, said: “I have come to the conclusion they don’t give a damn about us.”

Joyce Snell said personal hygiene is particularly important for her 96-year-old father Bob Turner, like some other residents, for medical reasons and his carers should not have had to carry around hot water.

Residents are now urging the Association to put measures in place so that if the boiler breaks down again it can be repaired sooner.

John Cooper, 64, said: “They should have thought about getting hold of parts quickly and have a way of speeding up the process. We want people out to talk to us so we don’t have to suffer again.”

A spokesman for Railway Housing Association said: “We would like to thank our residents for their patience whilst we have attempted to resolve this unforeseen issue.

“The welfare of our residents is of paramount importance and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience this has caused them.”