Homes have been left without hot water or heating for four months as Basildon residents plead for the council to resolve the issue as winter weather begins to set in.

Jayne O’Brian, a 61-year-old who has lived on the Sparkbridge estate in Laindon, says she has had no heating since June and has branded the situation “inhumane”.

Basildon Council has said “remedial works” will be complete next week on the nine properties impacted, however Ms O’Brian claims she has been told the situation will not be fully resolved until December.

Residents in the impacted properties have been given a small heater and water boiler, as well as £3 a day compensation.

Ms O’Brian said: “First thing at night, the sheets feel damp because it’s so cold. For the older residents, it’s just not right, it’s inhumane.

“I don’t think it’s fair that we’re not getting our heating, and still paying that part of the rent. The compensation is an insult.

“We don’t know where else to turn because no one will help us.”

Pensioner, Aruna Kumar, 67, who has lived on the estate for more than 20 years, said she suffers from arthritis and has struggled due to the lack of heating.

She said: “It’s really done me badly. It’s really been a nightmare for us.

“They don’t think about the tenants, what we’ve been going through.”

Basildon Council have said all residents will be credited in line with their heating failure policy.

Another resident, Chris, added: “We are cold, have had months of no hot water or heating, the compensation is too low, and the council are ripping us off.”

A Basildon Council spokesperson said: “We remain in regular contact with residents of nine properties in Sparkbridge, Laindon, who have been affected by a loss of heating from a communal system.

“Contractors attended the day the issue was reported and provided temporary heaters to residents.

“As the affected homes include a mix of council tenants and leaseholder properties, Basildon Council was required to notify and consult with leaseholders on any potential costs arising from remedial works. This is a requirement of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the notification period is 30 days.

“Remedial works to resolve the issue began in early September and will be completed on 7 October 2024.”