The developer of a housing estate built six years ago has blamed poor maintenance by a housing association for tenants are being forced out. 

People living in five blocks of flats built by Telford Homes as part of the Queen Mary Gate development in South Woodford have endured flooding, damp and mould.

Now, tenants in Edinburgh Court and the ground floor of Excalibur Court have been told by housing association Circle 33 that they could be re-housed for up to two years while repairs take place.  

Issues include leaking stack pipes and water entering into the building.

Families, the disabled and those with poor health have described the "nightmare" of living in poor conditions for up to five years. 

Circle 33 previously blamed Telford Homes for the problems at a meeting with residents in April.

It is now working with Telford Homes to address the mould, damp and flooded homes and consulting with tenants on temporary accommodation. 

Telford Homes marketing director, David Campbell, said: "Telford Homes continues to refute that there are structural problems with Edinburgh Court.

"This and the other buildings that were constructed for Circle 33 passed all of the usual pre-start and construction progress stage inspections. 

"They were formally signed off and certified by the relevant authorities including Building Control and in addition, the buildings were verified as complete by Circle 33’s independent Employer’s Agent.

"Our view remains that there has been a clear lack of pre-planned and responsive maintenance, which is the principal cause of the issues raised by the residents."