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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ross Thomson

Shotts woman slams North Lanarkshire Council over 'ridiculous' living conditions

A disabled Shotts woman has lifted the lid on her council home from hell.

Sharon Fleming moved into the Tulloch Road property three years ago and since then claims she has been plagued by problems including asbestos, ceilings falling in and floods caused by drainage problems.

Sharon, 50, who lives with her 17-year-old son, said: “I have had no kitchen for eight months, as there was asbestos in the air.

“We have had an asbestos survey carried out and it’s in a number of areas in the house.

“Myself and my son were exposed to it for two-and-a-half years before anything was done about it.

“All my white goods from the kitchen are in my living room as I can’t use the kitchen. It’s ridiculous.

“I have wet wall on the inside of my bedroom, which is getting ignored.

“A wall that’s in my bedroom is going to fall out into my garden.

Sharon's kitchen has been left in a mess (Wishaw Press)

“I’ve also had two bedrooms ceilings come down in November. They were fixed in March and my son’s bedroom ceilings is bevelling again.”

Sharon has written to several councillors and Airdrie & Shotts MSP Neil Gray about the problems she has faced.

Additionally, a faulty drain in Sharon's garden has caused flooding her home.

“I have written to councillors and elected representatives but have had no help whatsoever,” said an exasperated Sharon .

“I have forwarded the asbestos survey and pictures of what I have had to live with but I’ve not been getting any help.

Sharon's living room floor after moving into the property (WSH])

“I have only been in the property for three years, I’ve been flooded three times and every time I try to get help for the repairs I am refused or made out to be a liar by North Lanarkshire Council.

“One contractor has been out and essentially ruined my garden and verbally abused me which was witnessed by my son. I’ve told the council I don’t want them near my home.”

Responding to Sharon's claims, a spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said the local authority has provided “extensive support” to Mrs Fleming over a number of years and will continue to do so.

The spokesperson added: “We are treating this matter seriously and are keen to resolve the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

“However, in order for us to fully complete the works the tenant needs to allow us entry to the property when we have made pre-arranged appointments with them to carry out the work required.”

Sharon's garden after the drain which was hidden under a slab flooded (WSH])

Shotts MSP Neil Gray added: “My team and I have been aware of the issues Ms Fleming has with her house for some months and have been working closely with North Lanarkshire Council to try to resolve them.

“We will continue to work towards a resolution that Ms Fleming is happy with.”

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