TENANTS have reacted with anger to news that a housing management body which they say caused them frustration and grief will provide services for another decade.

Ascham Homes has reached the agreement with Waltham Forest Council despite tenants experiencing problems including mould-coated walls and damaged homes.

The arms length management organisation (ALMO) has been repeatedly criticised over the last few years for problems experienced by housing tenants and leaseholders across the 12,400 homes it looks after on behalf of the authority, despite being created to bring all council properties up to a basic standard of decency.

Clifford Robnett, of Ropers Avenue in Chingford, thinks the agreement should not have been made.

The 83-year-old repeatedly complained to the body about his mould-blackened walls, which left a potent smell in the house that caused him to have to take sleeping tablets.

“They just told me to keep my windows open all day – basically leaving my home to be robbed,” he said. “It’s a horrible thought to have to deal with them for another 10 years.”

The mould has finally been cleaned away by Ascham Homes, but Mr Robnett claims the damp has ruined his bedroom walls, which need repairing and redecorating, though a date has been set for Ascham Homes to do the necessary work.

“It’s a nightmare situation and it looks like it will continue with this agreement,” he said.

Pensioner Daphne Childs, 85, of Malta Road in Leyton, had her concrete patio cracked by contractors hired by Ascham Homes to repair her kitchen last May, while her fridge was also damaged.

One year on the concrete flooring is still unsteady while her replacement fridge has stopped working, leaving her food to go mouldy.

She said: “It’s not great to see them getting the contract. They have to be pushed into doing stuff and I had a bad experience with them. I am an old woman but they’ve not made life easier for me here.”

A spokesman for Ascham Homes said: “Tenants and residents associations have been involved in the discussions about the new service and will continue to have an input going forward.

“The new arrangements help us deliver a seamless housing service through closer working between the council and the ALMO, and they help to ensure the organisation’s performance continues to improve and maximises investment in our residents’ homes.”

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