Chesterfield grandmother unable to heat home for four months
83-year-old Shirley Ashton hasn't been able to use her coal fire since it broke in January
The family of a Chesterfield grandmother is calling for action after being left without heating for months.
Shirley Ashton, 83, lives in a property owned by Chesterfield Borough Council. In January, her coal fire broke and it has not been repaired since.
Shirley has been given electric heaters but with the cost-of-living crisis, can only afford to use them for one hour a day.
Catherine Richardson, Shirley’s granddaughter, says: "We got an electric heater for over the winter, but it costs a fortune to run.
"It impacts her because she suffers with bad health - it's had a big impact on her health conditions."
Catherine said they have contacted the council: "They keep saying it's not good enough and they'll be back in contact, but they're never back in contact.
"They come out to see her last week to drop her two more heaters off, which she can't afford to run the one that she's got, never mind two extra ones.
"They said they'll be back out this week, but they still haven't been back out."
Catherine said it has been a tough time for the whole family: "It's been difficult for us, especially seeing her struggling because she hasn't got any heating and all the places we can think of, we've contacted to try and get help,
"The council aren't doing anything about it, so it just leaves you feeling helpless. She's 83.
"She's got no hot water, so she has to boil the kettle for hot water and it's just been a really difficult situation."
A spokesperson for Chesterfield Borough Council said:
“Making sure that our tenants are safe, well and warm in their homes is a top priority for us as a landlord, and we’re sorry that on this occasion the tenant has experienced a delay in getting the issue resolved.
“On visiting the property, we found the initial repair request was more complex than originally thought and as a result this has unfortunately caused some delays to works being completed. We are however working to resolve the issue as soon as possible and are looking at the most appropriate replacement for the coal fire.
“We visited the property again last week with the tenant’s housing officer to ensure that sufficient heating and hot water was available at the property. The tenant was running her own electric fan heater and additional fan heaters have also been left at the property. Hot water was also available and the tenant also had an electric shower.
“Our tenancy support team will also be in touch with the tenant see if any additional support can be provided.”