A HOUSING association has apologised to a tenant after workers smashed through his asbestos-filled garage roof with a scaffolding pole.

Pensioner Dennis Lewis, of Coronation Close, Great Wakering, said Sanctuary Housing had ignored the issue but has now pledged to repair the damage.

He believes the association has only acted after pressure from the Echo after a worker dropped a scaffolding pole through the roof while carrying out works.

The 84-year-old said: “This all started back in January 2017 when scaffolding was put up around my house and most of the others by the association contractors and it was up for one year. They started working on most of the road to fix cladding and new roof tiles and doors and windows to the homes.

“When it came down I then noticed the hole in my garage roof and it was the size of a scaffolding pole. They came and told me not to use it but I have been going in there. I think I called the association a few dozen times in the end and they kept saying it was in hand.

“Then after a call from the newspaper, they called me quickly and said they were not aware of this.

“I pay about £96 rent per week and feel I have not received everything I have paid for.”

He added: “I will not be claiming back as I just want it all sorted now. It has been causing me quite a bit of stress because it’s been on my mind so long. I haven’t been able to use my garage for a few years now.”

A spokesman for Sanctuary Housing said: “We apologise to Mr Lewis for the time it has taken to repair the damage and we completely understand his frustration. We are going to ensure the repairs are completed as soon as possible and will be making contact with Mr Lewis to arrange for the work to be carried out.”