A MOTHER of four has been left to pay expensive energy bills and live in a home with a hole in the roof.

Chelsea Sinclair has been having issues with her house on Willoughby Way since December 2020 when she discovered a leak in her house.

Despite contacting Vivid, the housing association responsible for the property, about the leak it took until March 2022 for the cause of the leak in the chimney stack to be removed.

Chelsea was shocked to discover a large hole had been left in its place.

Chelsea said: “They said they were temporarily going to put up plastic with black tape around it, and I’ve had it ever since.

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“I’ve chased it several times and all I keep getting told is that I’m on a waiting list.”

Chelsea told the Gazette she was told the work is not due to be completed by Vivid until April 2023.

However, the Basingstoke mother has said that she cannot wait that long.

She added: “It’s very hard for me to get any heat for me and my children. I have to have the heating up full blast just to feel any benefit.

“And this month it’s cost me £350, which is money I don’t have because I’m disabled.

“My children are cold, my children are having to have time off of school because they keep catching colds because of the draft in the house.

“We’re sitting there in the evening as it is, because of the cost-of-living crisis, with just our Christmas lights on, just sitting there talking and playing games because the cost-of-living crisis is hard enough without having to have a £350 bill.”

She continued: “All I’m really asking is that they come and fix it.

“Because I don’t think next month, I can afford another £350, I just can’t do it.”

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Vivid has since told Chelsea that it will endeavour to send someone to make the necessary repairs on December 2.

Head of property services at Vivid Carolyn Munns said: “We are in contact with Ms Sinclair to ensure she has a home that meets her needs and that of her family.

“We are working to prioritise all ceiling repairs as the weather is getting colder and with the increased concerns over energy costs.

“We will be ensuring the work is completed imminently.”