Roundhill Close: 'Frustrated' family left with leaking ceiling

Natalie Wilson, 31, and Robert Maidment, 30, were left with no choice but to take their daughters out after water started leaking from the ceiling in December.

The girls, aged six and three, have been sleeping in Natalie’s bed while Robert sleeps on the sofa.

The pair, who live in a council-owned flat at Roundhill Close, first noticed a trail of dampness on their wardrobe just before Christmas.

Within days the ceiling was dripping water.

The couple had to place buckets underneath to contain the leaks and clear their children’s room of all their belongings.

The children's bedroom has been emptied with buckets of water being placed in the centre of the room (Image: Newsquest)

Natalie told the Echo: “We just woke up one morning and I looked up and (damp) ended up travelling on the ceiling. That’s when I said, that's it now, the kids need to get out of the room because it was going to wet their bed.”

The couple alerted builders, Drew Smith, which initially told them the issues would be resolved by the end of January.

However, they have now been told they will have to wait until the end of next month.

READ MORE: Remedial works needed at Roundhill Close flats

'Frustrating and upsetting'

The 31-year-old carer said: “Rob shouldn’t be sleeping on the sofa, we both work for a living, it’s just not a viable option for the two of us or for our daughters, and we’re still paying the full rent.”

She added: “It’s just frustrating and upsetting because it’s supposed to be a brand-new flat.”

“I'm going to work more tired than I should be because I'm waking up more often than I would in a general bed,” said Robert, a dock worker.

The block of flats, which opened in 2019, has been at the centre of many issues in the past few months.

Problems with fire safety equipment have forced the builders to carry out remedial works.

Council's response

A spokesperson from Southampton City Council said: "We’re aware of the issues at this property.

"The situation is being monitored by council staff and our housing officers are in regular contact with the residents.

"A temporary arrangement is in place while the remedial works are carried out by the contractor, which will approximately take three weeks (weather permitting).

"Following that, we will then be able to undertake the internal remedial works."

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