A housing association has apologised to a family for leaving them without hot water almost two weeks after the problem was reported.

Phil Smith, 29, first reported a problem with the boiler at his flat in Vicarage Court, Halstead, on Sunday, June 24.

But the problem has yet to be fixed by Genesis Housing Association despite visits by engineers.

Mr Smith said: “I have had to take time off work to try and fix this and it has all been an absolute shambles.

“It is costing me £1.50 per minute being on hold to them over the phone - I just want something done.”

“I have an 11-year-old girl and we are having to go round to family and friends’ houses just to have a shower. It’s not acceptable.”

A Genesis Housing spokesman said: “We apologise but we are trying to sort this out as soon as possible.”

Read more in the Halstead Gazette.