Dundee pensioner ‘dreads watching weather forecast’ as water pours into flat

A Dundee pensioner says she dreads watching the weather forecast – as water is repeatedly pouring into her multi flat.

Edwina Gollan has to put out buckets and bowls to catch water as it leaks into her council home at Hilltown Court.

The 80-year-old claims her house was affected for a fifth time in just over a year when water caused damage to her carpets and wallpaper on November 18 – as the region was hit with a deluge.

She has even been forced to put a tarpaulin over her bed to stop it getting wet.

Edwina told The Courier: “I’m almost scared to watch the forecast these days – you’ve got your hands over your face fearing more rain.

“This is the fifth time my home has been damaged due to the weather.

“Workers said there is some issue with the way the water is draining from the veranda above during the bad weather that’s causing the problem.

‘I’m placing a tarpaulin over the bed’

“It’s being blamed on the bad weather again but nearly every room is getting damaged now.

“Both bedrooms have got water coming in and the living room as well.

“If it’s raining and I’m going out, I’m placing a tarpaulin over the bed.”

The former carpet fitter, who has lived in the multi for more than 30 years, says she is “reluctant” to move but may be forced to do so.

She added: “This has been my home for such a long time but there doesn’t appear to be any sort of solution.

“I’ve taken pride in my house but there is no point fixing anything until the leaks are repaired.

“All I’m doing at the moment is turning up the heating to try and dry everything out.

“The wallpaper has come away from the wall because they’ve been soaked and then dried out.

“There are sections of the wallpaper being held down with masking tape at the moment.

“It’s soul-destroying to see my home getting damaged like this.

“I’m having sleepless nights, especially if it’s windy and raining.

“I know we’ve had bad weather but I shouldn’t have to live like this.”

A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “We are engaged in the matter and undertaking the necessary steps to resolve the issue.”