Students use pots and pans to shower after faults

Dozens of students living at a newly built accommodation block in central Bristol say they have been living with intermittent hot water since the end of October.

The issues have affected Campbell House, managed by Unite Students, on behalf of the University of Bristol. About 400 students live there.

"I'm decanting boiling water from the kettle to dilute with the cold water coming from the shower to wash my hair," said resident Hannah Reid.

In a joint statement, Unite Students and the University of Bristol said they were sorry for the disruption, and were offering financial compensation to those affected.

The students living there pay £9,272 for a 10-month tenancy.

Unite Students has offered them £4 a day compensation for the period of disruption, which it says began from December 5.

The company advised them in an email in January: "Hot water can be obtained by boiling your cold water in your kettle... if you know flats with hot water access, or have hot water yourself, consider asking to use/offering showers to your friends."

It later said limescale in the system had prevented water from flowing through the pipes, and the problem would not be resolved for another four weeks as damaged parts needed replacing.

"We have a big Instagram group chat and if someone notices there's warm water they'll let everyone know, then there's a big race to get in the shower before all the hot water goes," Ms Reid said.

"We haven't been able to wash our hands properly, and when people are cooking with raw chicken it's difficult to clean," she added.

Sarah Dawelbeit told the BBC she felt students had been "catfished" by the building's features like an on-site gym and cinema room.

"That stuff is all really nice and that's what drove us to move here, but I feel like they've used that to bring in customers but not actually offered the basics," she said.

"I know some people have bought gym memberships to use the showers.

"I've missed lectures because I've woken up and the hot water was on and I thought 'just shower now'."

Ms Dawelbeit has chosen to move out, but is on a waiting list with no guarantee of a new room.

In a joint statement, Unite Students and University of Bristol said: "We're aware that some residents at Campbell House have reported experiencing intermittent issues with hot water, primarily in the evenings.

"We're very sorry for the disruption and inconvenience this issue has caused, which is below the standards we strive to uphold.

"The issue is the result of a developing fault in the new water heating system.

"The suppliers have implemented a number of temporary fixes since this issue was first reported and have been working hard to identify the cause, which has been a complex process.

"Further repair works have begun this week. We hope this will resolve the issue, but we'll continue to monitor the situation closely."

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