‘So cold it’s like lying in back yard’
Westway, Creggan. (1202PG70)
A disabled man from Creggan who claims he has endured a faulty heating system in his home for more than two years, has appealed for the Housing Executive to take immediate action to remedy the problem before it affects his health.
Daniel Harkin, from Westway, is registered disabled and says he doesn’t leave the house often. He claims he has spent the past two years battling to have his heating system working satisfactorily.
“I’m on medication and my legs don’t work very well, so I have to keep warm. But the control system that actually controls the heat doesn’t work unless its on full power,” 51-year-old Mr Harkin told the ‘Journal’.
“But the worst thing is that my radiator in the bedroom doesn’t work at all. I have four visits a day from nurses and even they agree that there is something badly wrong with the temperature in my bedroom.
“I have tried over and over again to get this sorted, but the Housing Executive just put me on hold or give me the runaround. It’s going on too long,” he claimed.
Mr Harkin says he is considering drastic measures just to make his living conditions more bearable.
“I was even considering moving my bedroom into the living room just to try and keep warm,” he said. “Something has to be done. When I wake at night it’s so cold it feels like I’m lying out [in] the back yard.”
The ‘Journal’ contacted the NI Housing Executive about Mr Harkin’s situation and a spokesperson said that arrangements had been made to replace his bedroom radiator as soon as possible.
“Mr Harkin’s heating system had a complete service when he moved into his home in May 2010. Following a report of a noise in the heating system in October 2010 a new heating pump was installed.
“Since then a number of other repairs have been completed including the resetting of the burner, the replacement of the oil watchman and repairs to the boiler house doors.
“In December 2012 Mr Harkin reported his heating system wasn’t working satisfactorily and a heat test was arranged.
“This was carried out and no problems were found with the boiler, but a recommendation was received to replace a bedroom radiator with a double radiator.
“Arrangements have been made for this to be installed next week.”
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Weather for Derry
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
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