Apology after disabled Sheffield pensioner waits four months for bathroom light to be fixed

Dorothy Smith, aged 74, had to feel her way around in the darkness during that time, according to her horrified daughter.

Kier, the council contractor responsible, has apologised for the delay and said the service fell short of the high standards it would expect.

Ms Smith's daughter Diane Knell said she first reported the fault after the bathroom ceiling at the property in High Green sprang a leak in early October.

She claims to have badgered the council and Kier relentlessly for something to be done, but the repairs were not completed until Monday, January 30.

"My mum is blind in one eye and has dementia. It's disgraceful that for four months she was in total darkness, having to feel her way around the bathroom using the walls," said Ms Knell.

"Luckily she has me looking out for her, but I hate to think there are other elderly people being treated like this who don't have anyone to stand up for them."

A spokesperson for Kier said: "We are sorry for the problems Mrs Smith has experienced regarding her bathroom light, and for the delay in resolving the issue.

"On this occasion, our service has not met the high standards we would expect, and we have been in touch with Mrs Smith’s daughter to apologise personally.

"A full repair to the source of the leak was completed on Thursday, January 26. A full lighting check was carried out in Mrs Smith’s property on Monday, January 30 and confirmed everything is working properly."

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