Residents complain of waits for home maintenance

Residents in Dorking say they have repeatedly complained to a housing association about problems with the maintenance of their properties.

Complaints to Clarion Housing Group include delays to replacing doors to prevent leaks and calls to adapt a home to make it suitable for someone with a neurological condition.

In March, Mole Valley District Council's scrutiny committee heard that children were given inhalers by their GP after the discovery of damp and mould, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Clarion Housing Group said it took all repair issues reported by residents seriously, and that it had been working to resolve all cases.

Chris Coghlan, MP for Dorking and Horley, said he had been contacted by residents with issues relating to rats and mould, adding that he was angry that residents had been ignored.

"I think Clarion really need to understand the impact of how they're managing their properties is having on the daily lives of many of my constituents, and they need to get a grip," he told BBC Radio Surrey.

Mark Bailey has Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a neurological disorder which causes the gradual loss of mobility.

His wife, Tracy, said their home needed a downstairs bedroom, a wet room and wider doors for his wheelchair – and that she had contacted Clarion more than a year ago.

"Nothing was done until I got hold of Chris Coghlan," she said. "Now they've started sitting up and taking note, and coming out and asking us what we need."

She said that Clarion had offered to move them to Leatherhead, but the couple were worried Mr Bailey would be unable to attend his current hospital and doctor.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Cox said he had been told by Clarion that he may have to wait up to two years to get new doors to stop water leaking into his home.

"It's disgusting that I've got to live like this," he said. "It stresses me out just looking at it."

Clarion said it regularly carried out planned investment in order to bring its homes up to modern standards.

A spokesperson said Clarion recognised Mr Bailey's home was no longer suited to his needs, and that it was working with the council to find a more suitable property.

They also apologised for the delay in relacing Mr Cox's doors, citing a delay in ordering and manufacturing.

"We are now pursuing this as a matter of urgency," the spokesperson added.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.