RESIDENTS IN PEASEDOWN ST JOHN have reacted angrily after their landlord, Somer Housing Community Trust, promised all householders that renovation works would be carried out to their roofs to then later discover it wasn’t going to happen at all.

In August ROK builders, commissioned by Somer, began renewal work in St Johns Close, Frederick and Albert Avenues following the delivery of their leaflet ‘'Pitched Roof Renewals at Albert Avenue, Frederick Avenue, St Johns Close, Peasedown St John”.

The leaflet told residents to remove all items in their loft space and remove all garden ornaments away from their homes.

Despite this, residents were then informed only a select group would be renovated after ROK staff claimed work had already been carried out on the rest in the 1980’s.

Frederick Avenue resident Sheila Coombs, who has lived in the estate for over 50 years, said:

“Complete renovation works to our roofs have never been carried out like ROK and Somer claim. My neighbours and I were promised the work would be carried out only to discover it isn’t going to happen at all.

The way the project has been handled is completely unacceptable. One of my neighbours is having her roof re-tiled when her house was built in the same year as everyone else’s. Another neighbour received a letter saying her roof was going to be re-done and then another shortly after to say it wasn’t.”

After endless meetings with roofing staff Ms Coombs contacted local Councillor Nathan Hartley for his support. He said:

“I am deeply concerned about the way the current programme has been handled and dealt with. Residents are right to be upset and angry and on their behalf I have contacted Somer Housing management on at least four occasions requesting a public meeting and a re-consideration of the roof renewals programme.

I have received a response from the Managing Director of Somer Housing but to date no re-consideration has been made.”

Ms Coombs has drawn up a petition collecting almost 100 signatures, including support from the local Newsagent and Butcher, which will be presented with Cllr Hartley to Somer Housing.