Clarion Housing Group residents left without kitchens for more than a week

Rebecca Phelps, who lives with her two daughters who have autism, has been left without a usable kitchen for seven days following workmen leaving her kitchen incomplete and allegedly unsafe. 

She was having her kitchen renewed in her home in Chineham that is owned by Clarion Housing Group, which started on September 21. 

Rebecca was told that these works could take up to two weeks to be complete. However, last week on Monday, September 26 after an alleged incident between another resident in the area and the workmen they downed their tools and left Rebecca with a completely empty kitchen. 

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The workmen briefly returned the following day to finish the electrics within the kitchen, however Rebecca claims they still aren't finished. 

Since then she has been "left in limbo" after not knowing when her family will have access to a working kitchen, having had no response from Clarion. 

During this time the family have had no choice but to eat out or order takeaways.

Rebecca's daughters have even temporarily stayed at her mum's house due to the struggle to adjust. 

Rebecca Phelps kitchen. (Image: Public)

The mum-of-two said: "My house has been so dusty and everything that was in the kitchen is currently in the living room. I just really don't know what to do because I have tried to call Clarion several times and have had no response. 

"I reported this on behalf of all residents who have been affected, as we were all left in limbo and my next door neighbours are having to wait even longer than myself for their kitchen to be completed." 

Since the Gazette contacted Clarion Housing Group it has told Rebecca that workmen will be back on Tuesday, October 4 to resume works, however her next door neighbours, who were also having their kitchen renewed was told their works would not be resumed again until October 13. 

Rebecca's neighbour said: "It is the lack of communication that is extremely frustrating because I was told to take everything out of my kitchen on September 28 ready for the following day when works were meant to start, but they never have. 

"My young son is also autistic so I have also had to try and explain the situation to him as to why we have no cooking facilities or accessible washing machine." 

A Clarion spokesperson said: “We are very sorry there has been a delay in completing the kitchen refurbishment work and we are working closely with our contractor to agree a way to resume the work as soon as possible, safely.

"We cannot comment on the details of the alleged incident while it is under investigation but we can reassure that the wellbeing of our residents and our colleagues is our top priority.

"We appreciate the inconvenience the delay is causing and all properties have been left in a safe condition with temporary cooking facilities provided.

"Our contractor will be back in touch with residents to arrange the completion of the work.”