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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:24 pm
by Wizzzard
I have finally been accepted for a new kitchen renovation curtesy of the council. which is great 'cept they are coming in 5 weeks time and they will be disconnection all utilities for a week. No water or electric .. no washing, no eating , and no freezer. I don't know what the hell to do ... any suggestions gratefully received.

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:31 pm
by lukeofyorkshire
Thats just not cricket!!

This isn't the whole house is it Wizz that they'll be disconnecting??

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:35 pm
by Shining
Surely they can't do that Wizz? My hubby does grant work for Councils and I'll ask him when he gets in what the usual protocol...they can't leave you without the basics or surely they'll have to rehome you for a week?

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:35 pm
by Wizzzard
All the water but just the kitchen for electrics ... which we need for heating water and cooking

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:42 pm
by lukeofyorkshire
I'm sure they have to put you up somewhere Wizz as without water for a week and no facilities for cooking your home is not habitable.

In Leeds they would move you out in a case like this anc usually put you in a hotel, especially if you have kids. I know my Local Authority does this as I used to be an Elected Member on that Local Authority!

Yes I was a dirty poltician, booooooooooo!!!!

What council authority do you come under?

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:44 pm
by Wizzzard
I've followed what you both have said and have contacted County Hall ... very nice child is going to ring me back later after her afternoon milk and nap :)

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:46 pm
by lukeofyorkshire
Haha well best of luck and if they say you just have to like it or lump it do not back down, its not on for them to do that at all.

If you get nowhere, speak with your Local Authority Councillor and they'll help you out Wizz.

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:48 pm
by Shining
Hope they ring you back soon, you cannot be without basic utilities, to turn them off for a couple of hours would be ok I would think but not for a week! Nobody could cope with that x

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:14 pm
by Wizzzard
Well ... I had me call back ... and their answer was basically tough nails. We have been advised to cook in the living room or bedroom. We can still use the bathroom ... but we'll have to negotiate a pile of rubble every day for 'only 5 to 6 days' ... their words. When I asked how I cook a meal without a cooker I was advised to buy a microwave. When I mentioned I was on a strict controlled diet and microwaves were not an option I was told to stay with friends. My cat is not a consideration ... she can go to a cattery ... only £15 a day around here. I am bluddy livid ... anyone got a shotgun I can borrow??

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:34 pm
by lukeofyorkshire
This really, really sucks Wizz and is typical of so many local authorities.

Timescales annoy me with Councils as well has anyone else had a kitchen fitted by a private firm and know how long it took?

I would maybe email your Local Councillor or MP:

http://www.writetothem.com/

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:52 pm
by Shining
That really isn't good enough, I'm going to talk to my husband tonight about this. If all else fails you're welcome to stay with me for the week, open house here, I'll be going off to work so I won't bother you x

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:58 pm
by MrsKnight
Wizz - thats not good enough if is it.
Ive got relatives on my hubbys side (nan n aunty) in council accommodation n they have both had there kitchens done. I dont recall them having this problem - but may not of mentioned it to me.
They did have a few niggles after the work was done mind.
Ray, I know your in Yorkshire n dont know how far you are from me, pending on how far, I could do you at least a main dinner to pop over to you n reheat. Or you could come to me n have at least a dinner here whilst it goes on.
Honestly I dont mind, as long as you dont mind sitting on patio chairs n table!

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 6:13 pm
by Pandy
We had a new kitchen fitted by the council 2 years ago, it took 2 weeks but each evening they reconnected the cooker and sink so we had water and could cook, we did not expect that and bought a fryer, George Forman grill and sandwich toaster so we could at least have snacks as it was they were not needed. We are with Bristol City Council who seem to understand there tenants needs more than your obviously do. The main problem we had was they rewired the whole house at the same time and the day it started I had an op on my knee so walking around on crutches with floorboards up was fun.

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 10:04 am
by flow13
We will (fingers crossed) be having work done to ours soon. Should be having new kitchen and are due to have extension for bathroom (imagine a rectangle for the kitchen, missing one of its corners -the corner is where our bathroom is built).
I am hoping we don't have many problems.x

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 10:20 am
by Skippy
That's terrible Ray, how on earth do they expect you to live like that. Would it be worth getting a letter from your doctor regarding your diet and giving that to the council?