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Family frustrated at delays to repairs on flooded home

A disabled five-year-old boy is sleeping in a bedroom cupboard after his family were forced to move following a flood.

Lucas-James Weston suffers from cerebral palsy and has had to share a room with his seven-year-old sister, Brooke, ever since his family’s three-bed home in Wisteria Gardens, Swanley, was ruined when corroded pipes began leaking two months ago.

Due to his condition – which affects his movement and delays development – he sleeps for 15 hours but restless Brooke — who is being assessed for ADHD — can only bed down for less than a third of that.

Lucas-James Weston, five, with dad James, in his cupboard bedroom
Lucas-James Weston, five, with dad James, in his cupboard bedroom

Initially, mum Rebecca and dad James were told by landlord West Kent Housing Association they would only have to relocate to a smaller property for a fortnight but have now been there for eight weeks and the siblings’ clashing schedules has meant little Lucas-James has started kipping in the cupboard.

Mrs Weston, 28, said: “Two weeks was not ideal but was manageable but eight weeks is just too much.

“He started taking himself to the cupboard because it would stay dark even when Brooke woke up so now we’ve made him a bed in there as we can’t stop him doing it.

“It’s not just the sleeping arrangements but the house is not adapted for his needs, meaning he hasn’t been able to use his stair climber or bath equipment.

“We’ve now been told we can go back as soon as they’ve finished decorating but the carpets won’t be laid until later on.

“Lucas-James goes around on his hands and knees a lot and there are still grippers in the floor which we can’t take out so it’s completely inappropriate.”

"Two weeks was not ideal but was manageable but eight weeks is just too much" - James Weston

She added: “Every time I speak to West Kent I deal with a different person.”

Joanne Hiscock, head of property at West Kent Housing Association, said: “We’re very sorry this is taking so long.

"We are redecorating the areas damaged as a result of the leak.

“Ms Weston is currently choosing the wallpaper for the sitting room that we will hang as soon as she has it.

“We advised Ms Weston to claim on her insurance for the carpets and other furnishings that were damaged and have agreed, from the start, to pay the excess so that she isn’t out of pocket.

“We would need to see proof of the claim in order to reimburse her and haven’t seen that yet.”

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