A mum today slammed Basildon Council after discovering the house that she was allocated was uninhabitable.

Karen Johnston, 25, was offered the house in Luncies Road, Vange, but claims it is riddled with problems.

Karen, who has a 14-month-old son, Tyler, said: "Everything about the house is a disaster.

Angry - Karen Johnston with son Tyler at the house which needs repairs Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

"There was a hole in the roof, what I think is asbestos in the living room and loose wires in the kitchen. It's like the house that Jack built."

The council admits it was "aware that some work needed to be done" and that "arrangements were put in hand to carry it out."

However, two-and-a-half-months later Karen is still unable to move in, despite, she claims, numerous reassurances from the council.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said work on the faulty kitchen wiring had been carried out in October.

He said: "An appointment has also been made for 12 November to repair damage to the roof.

"The outstanding work comprises replacing the boiler which will be done as part of our district-wide replacement boiler programme and the removal of some floor tiles that could be asbestos.

"This work has now been put out to our contractors and should be completed in the near future."

Published Friday November 8, 2002

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