Council flat resident endures leaking roof for three years

In December, Falkirk Council replaced slates on the roof of May Armour’s flat in Cullen Terrace, Millflat Street, Bainsford.

But water is still coming in at a rapid rate, leaving her flat with damp “in every room in the house” and spreading through the ceiling.

Ms Armour says the state of the place is making her feel ill and has asked to be decanted until the problem is fixed.

She said: “I also have water coming through one of the bedroom windows and I’ve been told it will have to be replaced.

“My carpets are soaking, my curtains are soaking and I’ve been told my loft is soaking and full of mould.”

“I now believe it’s starting to affect my health – I’ve been feeling so bad I’ve had two Covid tests, but both were negative.

“I’ve also been in hospital with chest pains and been told its anxiety.”

Ms Armour says the problems started in October 2017, just months after she moved into the flat.

Falkirk Council said that in early December they identified four defective roof tiles, which were replaced along with surrounding tiles.

But last week workmen were back out again to cover her loft with polythene sheets in a bid to help stop the damp.

Councillor Robert Bissett said: “I have pressed council officers for a solution and I will continue to press for this to be rectified as soon as possible and an explanation as to the cause of the problem given.

“Clearly lockdown has hampered matters but a permanent solution must be speedily found as it’s a distressing situation.”

A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “We expected replacement tiles installed in November would have stopped the water from entering the flat but despite our work with the tile manufacturers, this has not been the case.

“We will investigate further and carry out a more detailed examination as soon as possible.

“We are keeping our tenant informed throughout this work.”