FAMILIES and pensioners are living in “dangerous” living conditions with slippery floors and mould caused by heavy flooding, sparking urgent calls for action. 

Leaks from a roof which is “beyond repair” in a housing block has led to elderly homeowners slipping in puddles, children living in mouldy properties and a family’s washing machine blowing up.

Terry Farmer, who lives at the Moat housing association block on King George’s Close, says his youngsters, aged two and seven, have been made ill as a result of the issues which have been plaguing the site in Rayleigh for more than a year.

Despite more than 50 complaints reportedly being made across the complex, Mr Farmer says the problem continues every time it rains heavily.

It is believed ten maisonettes in the block have been affected by the flooding, with the roof set to be replaced in 2022.

The 40-year-old said: “It started off as a small leak, but it has only got worse. Below me I have three elderly ladies, one in her 90s.

“One actually had to ask for sandbags to stop the flooding from coming into their home and were told they’d have to buy it themselves. They are out there mopping every time it rains heavily.

“We have had the fire brigade out to the floods, residents over 70 falling in the puddles and dangerous electricity issues – none of which have been resolved. 

“The estate is in a terrible way with young children, including my own, ill from mould and damp.

"There are dangerous issues everywhere from slippery surfaces to crumbling interiors and electrical issues. 

“The water just pours in, it’s like a waterfall along the wall, and our washing machine has even blown up.

“Yet Moat intend to wait till 2022 to replace the roof.”

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Mary Pearson, who also lives in the complex, has faced flood water pouring from the corridor, underneath her front door and into her home.

The 73-year-old said: “The building, as I understand it, has a flat roof. When it rains heavily I can hear the water gushing down and it leaks out into the corridor before getting inside.

“I’ve nearly slipped over on the water before and my next door neighbour is 91, so it is a worry.

“We also have pigeons on the roof and all their muck inevitably washes in. You just don’t know what’s in the water.”

Moat, who scheduled a priority repair on Monday, have said the safety and welfare of residents remains top priority.

A spokesman, said: “We are aware of the issues affecting the building and apologise to residents for the inconvenience this is causing.

“We are doing everything we can to deliver a programme of refurbishment works as quickly as possible and are keeping residents informed of our progress.

“The last few days of heavy rain has caused a leak in the roof. We have contacted those residents effected and are doing everything we can to support them.”