'Frankly squalid' MP calls for urgent action to fix mouldy flats

RESIDENTS of a troubled housing block in Bristol have spoken out about "squalid" living conditions, rent increases and threats of eviction - prompting their MP to demand urgent intervention from the property management company.

- Lewis CLARKE

Carla Denyer, Green MP for Bristol Central, visited Queen's Court and described being appalled by what she saw. In a letter to property managers City Estates, she urged them to meet residents "as a matter of urgency" and warned the firm is falling short of its legal obligations.

The block, long criticised for issues including damp, mould and general disrepair, has been a source of concern for Ms Denyer since her time as a local councillor. Now as MP, she is taking renewed action following direct reports from tenants.

In her letter, Ms Denyer wrote that conditions included "damp, mould and rot; failing pipe work; water leaking into properties; no access to water for days at a time; filthy brown waste water coming up through the plug hole of a bath, and much more."

She also criticised what she described as "disproportionate" rent increases and reports that some tenants have been threatened with eviction, despite the substandard conditions.

Following her visit, Ms Denyer said: "I was absolutely appalled to see the frankly squalid conditions that residents at Queen's Court are being forced to live in - and further shocked to hear that despite City Estates failing in their basic duties to make repairs, tenants are being slapped with rent increases.