A COUPLE were left without hot water and central heating for more than two years.

Peter and Lesley Ricks, of Langham Crescent, Billericay, say Basildon Council contractors condemned their boiler in autumn 2005.

The council tenants claim there must have been a mix-up, because instead of replacing it engineers kept being sent round to fix it.

However, Basildon council told a different story.

Spokesman Chris Johnson admitted the problem had rumbled on for more than two years, but claimed this was because the Ricks kept refusing to let engineers into their flat.

But Peter, 52, said: "It was ridiculous.

"We kept having to explain to them it couldn't be repaired, because it had already been condemned.

"We kept reminding them we needed a new one, but in the end went 27 months without heating or hot water."

Lesley, 51, added: "We were left living in the stone age."

However, Mr Johnson said: "We have made every effort to install the boiler after identifying a replacement was need in December 2005. However, the tenant has repeatedly ignored our attempts to contact them and failed to keep appointments.

"As a last resort, we were forced to take legal action in order to gain access to the property.

"This resulted in the boiler being fitted in March this year."

The couple added they had burnt out at least five kettles in the past two years trying to heat enough water to keep them going.