Living in a retirement community should be a time of peace and comfort, but for residents of Oakmore Lodge in Hayling Island, Hampshire, that dream is slipping away. Military veteran Elvet Jones, 77, has voiced the frustrations shared by many residents as they grapple with persistent damp issues in their homes.
The challenges are severe: black mould and water seepage from the roof have plagued parts of the building, turning what should be a haven into a source of stress. “Living conditions have worsened in recent years,” Jones remarked, adding that their repeated requests for repairs have been “ignored.”
The freeholder, AA Homes and Housing Ltd, acknowledges the situation, claiming they had addressed the leaks but that they reappeared due to “turbulent weather.” Oakmore Lodge, a former convent now converted into 12 flats – three of which are privately owned and the rest rented – has been anything but a tranquil place for its residents.
For Jones, each rainstorm brings more troubles. “Water pours down the sides of cupboards and walls in my top-floor flat,” he described. Many neighbors have resorted to using dehumidifiers day and night, while plaster around doors and windows continues to deteriorate. The building’s exterior shows worrying signs of cracking, and a detached downpipe from the gutter only adds to their woes.
Jones, who fought bravely in the Falklands War, expressed that he and the other residents are “at the end of our tether.” He worries about the approaching winter, saying, “As the winter comes in now, because we live on the coast, the wind and the rain come flying in. Some of the walls in my flat will turn black.”
Although some relief was found when the outside wall was painted, those improvements were short-lived. “It’s frustrating – instead of being able to relax and have a cup of tea, I’ve got to get up and start stripping walls down and start decorating,” he lamented.
At their age, in their seventies, residents feel they should be enjoying a peaceful retirement after investing in their homes. “We paid out good money for these properties,” Jones added, echoing the sentiments of his neighbors.
In response, AA Homes and Housing Ltd stated, “There has been a problem with a leak from a roof window and associated problems.” They claim to have conducted numerous repairs and notified the council. However, they also noted that an offer to replace the roof and provide alternative accommodation was turned down – a point that the residents dispute.
As these brave men and women navigate their twilight years, it’s clear that their voices deserve to be heard, and their living conditions need urgent attention. Let’s hope for swift action so that Oakmore Lodge can become the sanctuary its residents deserve.