Brookes Court

RESIDENTS of an estate have slammed the disruption caused by major works after builders failed to seal their roofs before a downpour.

Brookes Court in Holborn is currently under the scaffolding as the estate undergoes a council-backed retrofit project. The contractors, Mulalley, have been tasked with upgrading insulation, improving ventilation and replacing old windows and doors. Some residents’ roofs have been removed while builders install loft insulation.

For those living in a row of bungalows on the estate, this phase of the works has brought disruption after builders failed to protect their properties from the rain.

Kadir Muradi, who lives with his wife, said: “As soon as the work started they took the roof off. When it rained I had water coming through the light [fitting]. The water came into the electricity. I couldn’t put the electric on, so for three days I had to stay in a hotel. When I came back, it was leaking in other places as well.

“I went to them, and I said: that’s not fair. My life is in danger. My wife is seven months pregnant. She is going to have an operation soon.”

He said the leaks are ongoing and have left the ceiling “all cracked”.

Kadir Muradi

When the New Journal visited Brookes Court on Tuesday, several neighbours reported ongoing water damage and, in extreme cases, large holes left in their ceilings by the works.

A group of residents are now campaigning for compensation for the disruption, Mr Muradi said. “They have to pay back – they have to compensate me for being out of my house, for having to pay for a hotel.”

He added: “It’s been stressful. Imagine: we’re living under a roof where water and electricity meet each other. I couldn’t sleep in the night.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, told the New Journal she had experienced “endless leaks” during the course of the works, but said she would not be pushing for compensation. “It’s as you would expect – it’s major works. It’s filthy, it’s dirty, but it will be better in the end.”

A spokesperson for Camden Council said: “The council are carrying out retrofit works at Brookes Court to help reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, improve insulation, and make the building more energy efficient. We apologise to residents who have experienced issues with this work – we are working closely with the contractor to ensure any damage is fixed and the remaining works are completed with as little disruption as possible.”