High rise flat block residents left without heating for three days over freezing weekend

Residents at Church Street and Dock Street tower blocks in the Monkwearmouth area of Sunderland had to endure freezing temperatures with no heating on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14.

The Echo understands that Gentoo, who maintain the high rise flats, had previously replaced the gas heating system with a ground source heating system which takes heat from the earth’s core and transfers this into heat.

Alan Pearson, aged 68, is one of the residents living at the tower blocks said he was frustrated at the situation.

The retired engineer said: “There is a lot of elderly people in these flats.

"I tried to get answers from Gentoo over the weekend but there was no one answering phones, they did give out little heaters however they ran out meaning that some, me included, missed out.

"It was a very difficult weekend, we had to wear coats inside and get blankets out just to keep warm, you don’t actually realise how difficult it is to live without heating until it happens.

"A lot of people kept on going outside for walks as it was warmer than being inside the flats, we’re all totally frustrated at the situation.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, added: “The heating has been off since around late Saturday morning so it has been a hard weekend for many.

“A lot the people living in the buildings are older residents, some got heaters but I know others have gone without.”

Gentoo have said that they are dealing with restoring heat to the buildings as a “matter of urgency”.

Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo, commented: “Unfortunately, there has been a loss of heat to Church Street and Dock Street tower blocks over the weekend. We are dealing with this as a matter of urgency.

“Our priority is the health, safety and welfare of our tenants and all residents have been offered a temporary source of heating.

"Gentoo staff and contractors are on site supporting residents with this situation.”

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