AN elderly woman with cancer was one of a number of pensioners left without hot water at a support housing complex over Christmas.

Grandmother June Schultz, who is 92, lives at Ironside Walk in Manningtree.

Hers is one 13 flats left without hot water for more than a week due to an unresolved boiler problem.

Mrs Schultz’s granddaughter Jo Bergin has called on Colne Housing, which manages Ironside Walk, to get the problem fixed.

She said: “Luckily my nan was away for Christmas Day and came back on Boxing Day.

“But we worked out it is 13 flats this is affecting, some of the residents are vulnerable and have dementia.

“They shouldn’t be having to boil kettles for hot water.

“She’s not cold as she’s using a heater they’ve supplied, but she’s worried about tripping on the wires and having to keep getting up and down to turn them on and off.

“I think she’s just washing with cold water as doesn’t want to carry a kettle into her bathroom.

“She’s not particularly mobile.”

Jo added: “I understand it is Christmas, however, I also understand there are people living there who are vulnerable and who have health problems.

“My nan has cancer and a heart condition.

“A few weeks prior to Christmas they had an engineer out who commented one of the boilers downstairs was on its last legs, there had been an issue they were aware of.”

Ironside Walk is made up of 40 properties - a mixture of one and two-bedroom flats. There are several lounges for residents, a library and a hairdressing salon.

Lillian Lanek, Colne’s contact centre manager, said: “13 residents were affected by the breakdown of one of the boilers on Christmas Eve.

“We are really sorry about this and would like to thank all the residents for their patience and understanding.

“Our officers are visiting our residents, ensuring they are warm and safe.

“Fan heaters and access to hot water was arranged and new parts for the boiler were ordered. The fault was fixed temporarily on December 31 with delivery of the new parts due next week. ”