A MAN has been stuck in temporary accommodation for months after a burst pipe flooded his council house while he was away in January.

Stuart Fitzpatrick, 59, of Barrington Road, said on his return from holiday there was water underfoot, mould on his furniture and water pouring through the electrics.  

He has described his situation as having to ‘fight every step of the way’ to get repair work done. 

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Stuart said: “The council said the place was habitable at first, but I couldn’t sleep there so had to spend the night in my car. The next day, an electrical company came to view the electrics and I was told it was not safe."

Salisbury Journal: Photographs from inside Stuart's council house.Photographs from inside Stuart's council house. (Image: Stuart Fitzpatrick)

Stuart suffers from chest infections which mean mould is even worse an issue for him.

He says he has constantly had to chase Wiltshire Council to get the work done. 

The kitchen ceiling had collapsed, the boiler door had disintegrated, and the kitchen units were flooded and Stuart was only given a small humidifier to try to reduce the water.  

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He said: “I have lost most things in my property and lost my temper with the council in the end."

The sitting room ceiling was also bowed with water damage. 

He added: “I still have no working boiler in there and no date confirmed as to when I can go back home.”

Salisbury Journal: The mould-covered wall inside Mr Fitzpatrick's home.The mould-covered wall inside Mr Fitzpatrick's home. (Image: Stuart Fitzpatrick)

Cabinet member for housing, Councillor Phil Alford, said: “Our housing team has been working hard to make Mr Fitzpatrick’s home comfortable for him to return.

“Due to the severity and duration of the leak, the electrics were deemed to be unsafe, and a significant amount of other work was required in the property.

"Mr Fitzpatrick moved to temporary accommodation in the short-term, however recognising the damage to the property would require more extensive work once dried out he was then moved to more suitable temporary accommodation.

He added: “We appreciate that this has been a challenging time but are pleased to confirm that Mr Fitzpatrick will be able to return to his home next week.”