A woman has been left without a kitchen for three years after the council tore it down but failed to replace it.
Hilma Milwood had the kitchen of her flat in New Cross ripped out by Lewisham Council in April 2022 after it went unreplaced for 30 years.
But after removing her counters and appliances, they failed to bother and come and replace them, leaving the 61-year-old living out of of boxes.
Hilma was also left exposed to black mould which was discovered after the cabinets were ripped out, which she said has caused her high blood pressure, COPD, fatty liver, diabetes.
Hilma told Metro: ‘I was left with no work surfaces or an oven – I was lucky they left me with a sink.
‘For the last three years I have been exposed to old and damp – even slugs have managed to creep in – and doctors have told me this has contributed to my illnesses.’
The hairdresser had to stop work as she began to feel so ill and was in and out of hospital.
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‘I have developed lupus and I have a chronic kidney disorder. I began noticing symptoms a few weeks after the kitchen was ripped out, and I have been poorly ever since,’ Hilma said.
‘My wellbeing and self-esteem has been brought down so low because of this. I have sleepless nights just worrying about my health conditions.’
The grandmother is also unable to care for her granddaughter who has severe cerebal palsy as there is no way to cook for her.
Instead, Hilma relies on buying all of her ready made meals or microwavable food.
Despite making several complaints to Lewisham Council over the years, there has been little movement to replace the kitchen.
Hilma said: ‘It feels like I am telling them about it for the first time over and over again. I have gone to the Ombudsman in the hope they help as well, but that is a slow process.’
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Lewisham Council said: ‘We sincerely apologise to Ms Milwood about the unacceptable delays in the repairs to her home. We have already partially upheld a complaint against us in relation to this case.
‘Our contractors are currently completing repairs to this property and we are liaising with Ms Milwood’s legal representative.
‘We acknowledge we have significant challenges in our repairs service, which too often lead to delays and frustration for residents, are we are taking action.
‘It is one of the reasons we have referred ourselves to the Regulator of Social Housing, and they are overseeing our improvement plans.’
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