Residents live in freezing hell of flooded flats

HUNDREDS of Ancoats residents have been left without heating and hot water for more than a week.

- ETHAN DAVIES

People living in the 142 flats in the Chips building, on Lampwick Lane, have faced sub-zero temperatures without hot water and central heating since New Year's Day, when basement flooding overwhelmed the infrastructure and destroyed key equipment.

Residents are now relying on electric or oil-fuelled heaters to stave off the icy conditions, with one pensioner sleeping in a hat, scarf and gloves.

"It's archaic. It's ridiculous," added Eric Stone, 77, who bought his flat nine years ago. "It's like an ice box without heating. I am having to boil the kettle to wash." Other residents have decided to leave their homes, with one staying with family 50 miles away on Merseyside.