Council Faces Backlash Over Poor Roof Repairs and Infestation

A Birmingham resident is expressing frustration over the inadequate response from the council regarding a collapsed roof that led to a pest infestation in his home. Peter Francis, a 60-year-old tenant of a maisonette at Chelsea Court in the Selly Oak area, reported that his bedroom ceiling collapsed in February 2023, following renovation work on the block of flats where he lives. This incident not only caused structural damage but also resulted in an infestation of moths and beetles in his property.

After making an extensive effort to resolve the issue, including 78 phone calls to Birmingham City Council and its contractor, Fortem, Francis finally saw some repairs completed about two weeks ago. However, he remains dissatisfied, claiming that the work was subpar. “I’m absolutely fuming with the b*******,” Francis told BirminghamLive. He pointed out that plaster was left down the walls, and the light fixture in his bedroom was not properly reattached.

Francis noted that the council has not addressed the ongoing pest problem, stating that moth larvae are still present in his skirting boards and carpet. He expressed concern about the long-term implications of the infestation: “They laid their eggs and larvae in the carpet, and there are telltale signs of that when you look on the internet,” he added. The local authority has reportedly quoted him £104 per visit for pest control services, a cost he believes should be waived given that the infestation was a direct result of the council’s actions.

The situation worsened when Francis discovered a large moth nest in his roof during the repair work. He described the nest as yellow and resembling fiberglass but noted that it was not removed by the workers. In addition to the pest issues, he reported damage to his carpet and a television that were affected when the ceiling collapsed. “I feel like banging my head against a brick wall,” he remarked, clearly exasperated by the unresolved issues.

Adding to his frustration, Francis mentioned that promised refurbishments of his bathroom and kitchen have yet to take place. A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council acknowledged the importance of a suitable living environment and stated that they would continue to support Francis in replacing his kitchen and bathroom as part of a broader investment plan, which totals £1.4 billion over the next seven years aimed at improving homes for residents.

The spokesperson clarified that it remains unclear whether the council or its contractors are responsible for the ceiling collapse. They suggested that Francis could file a claim with his contents insurance for the damages or pursue compensation through the council’s complaints process. Regarding the pest control service, the spokesperson indicated that the pricing is standard to ensure costs are recovered, preventing a burden on taxpayers. They expressed willingness to coordinate with Francis to arrange pest control services and to schedule the refurbishment of his kitchen and bathroom.

As this situation unfolds, Francis’s ongoing challenges highlight the critical need for timely and effective responses from local authorities in addressing housing issues and ensuring a safe living environment for residents.