Frail pensioner says ‘housing hell’ gave her a foot infection

Theresa Batty, 76, says she contracted lipodermatosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition, in her left foot when effluent seeped through a broken drainage cap in her walk-in shower.

She says it is one of the many problems that have emerged at her home in Savage Steet, Ponciau which have left her overwhelmed for the past two years.

Mrs Batty suffers from diabetes and a chronic kidney condition and her GP believes she should be rehoused as a priority to more suitable accommodation as her health is poor.

"It's got worse and worse and no matter how many times I ring the council something else crops up," said the pensioner. "The council fixed the shower but there have been so many other things going wrong. I had water seeping into the electrical cupboard and when British Gas came out they were so shocked they gave me a hazard risk notice.

"I've had all sorts wrong. The live/neutral was reversed in my hall sockets and there has been an overheating risk. The house is damp which is not good for me because of my medical problems.

"It is never ending and now the loft is leaking."

Mrs Batty's list of housing problems also include: Noxious smells and mould in her shower; inadequate roof insulation; and problems with an outdoor tap and piping.

But she still remains wary of using her shower after her foot problem and added: "I have had to throw dettol down it for two years now despite the council coming out to repair it.

"My leg infection has been made much worse by the lack of hygiene in the shower."

The pensioner has contacted Shelter for help and admitted: "It is getting me down living here and I keep telling the council that it isn't good enough. I want be nearer to my daughter so that I can get more support."

Wrexham Council says they have “fixed” issues Mrs Batty has raised and says she is on the waiting list for rehousing.

A Wrexham Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of our tenant’s concerns and will do all we can to resolve them.”