Residents of Erskine Court in Southampton left without hot water

Elderly and vulnerable people living at Erskine Court in Lordshill said they were left unable to shower or eat hot meals since Sunday, July 24.

Some even resorted to using a kettle to wash their hair in the sink at the retirement complex in Sutherland Road.

Resident of five years, Julie Stanton, has said the situation is not good enough.

Erskine Court residents, from left to right: Sandra Barnett, 66, Julie Stanton, Mrs Hann, Anthony Buckley, 58, and Michael Barnett, 78

'No one is listening'

The 66-year-old said: “Enough is enough now. It’s a council-run building but they run a mile when things like this happen.

“People have been having cold showers and washing their hair in the sink.

“No one is listening to us. We just want answers.”

Julie added: “The council is not giving us any updates on the matter, but they have shut the restaurant so we have no hot meals.

“I have been on the phone with the council every day since Monday.

“They haven’t even offered a hot meal for the disabled and vulnerable residents, something they are still paying for.”

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An 88-year woman, who wished to remain unnamed, and who has lived in the 54-bed complex since it was built in 2016, said: “We have had no hot water and no heating since Sunday, but we can’t keep lifting kettles and carrying them to the bathroom to wash.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen. Bring an engineer in.”

'A lot of people can't cope'

Erskine Court offers care to adults over the age of 65 and those who are vulnerable and have disabilities.

According to a CQC inspection done in January 2020, there were 25 people who received personal care services, however, not all residents require help.

The complex was rated ‘good’ in a CQC report in February this year.

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The council has since confirmed that hot water has been restored.

A spokesperson said: "We’re very sorry to Erskine Court residents who experienced disruption to the hot water supply this week.

"There was a technical issue with the main meter which has now been fixed and the hot water restored.”

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