‘It’s making our lives a misery’ – Sheffield carer slams council over ‘ignored’ complaints

Steven Wright, aged 63, cares for his disabled wife in their two bedroom flat in the picturesque city suburb of Totley, after moving from Hackenthorpe when she had a serious stroke three years ago.

The Green Oak Drive flat they share is ‘lovely’, he says, but two serious problems keep threatening to ruin their peaceful idyll.

The first is repairs on the decades old guttering of the block, which has deteriorated so badly water ‘hammers’ on to their home whenever it rains.

Steven says he has complained about the issue incessantly, but planned repairs meant to take place in November never materialised.

He has now grown so frustrated that he has even gone to his MP Olivia Blake for help, but she doesn't seem to be able to get anywhere either.

“There are that many holes in the guttering it is practically falling down,” he said.

“When it rains it gets so we can't hear anything other than the water coming down.”

However, as well as poor maintenance, Steven says they and another neighbour are also plagued by noise from a property on the estate.

Steven says he has even tried raising the issue with the residents directly but they simply refuse to answer the door.

“I know kids will be kids but as a parent you have to control them,” he said. “It goes on for about six hours every evening.

“I’ve told the council but they just asked me to create a noise diary – I’m not very happy about it.”

A spokesperson for Sheffield Council said while officers were aware of Mr Wright’s maintenance and noise queries, they were unable to provide a statement to The Star.

They asked that Mr Wright contact them directly for an update on his situation.

A spokesperson for Olivia Blake MP said the council had committed to doing the repairs on October 26, 2020.

They added that they contacted the council again on January 4 but they have yet to receive a response.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.