The Salvation Military has apologised after a joint ITV and Guardian investigation accused the Christian Church and charity of appearing like a “rogue landlord”.
Residents on a Salvation Military-managed property in Hadleigh, Essex, stated they’d complained about “substandard” circumstances for years.
One resident, Kerry Maher, reported rising damp and mildew after shifting into her dwelling in 2014 however nothing was accomplished to repair the issue.
Environmental well being marketing consultant Jeff Charlton instructed investigators, “Individuals are being made sick or their well being is deteriorating dwelling on this property.
“There’s a duty beneath the Landlord And Tenant Act that the owner makes the house well being and security compliant.”
One other tenant described feeling “uncared for” and “forgotten about” after saying {that a} gap within the roof nonetheless had not been mounted six years after the issue arose.
Different properties are reported to have breached hearth security rules, with impartial marketing consultant Steve MacKenzie describing one dwelling as a “fire-trap” and accusing The Salvation Military of being “criminally negligent”.
In response to the report, 2019 Fortress Level Borough Council threatened authorized motion in opposition to The Salvation Military in 2019 over circumstances on the property.
Native MP Rebecca Harris stated she had held quite a few conferences with The Salvation Military to rectify the scenario however “they stored making guarantees that didn’t materialise”.
Responding to the accusations, The Salvation Military issued an “unreserved apology”.
A spokesperson for The Salvation Military stated: “It’s clear that we let down the tenants of Seaview Terrace and Mount Zion and we’re deeply sorry.
“Appreciable refurbishment and enchancment work is already underway. Now we have employed a contractor as a Mission Supervisor devoted to Hadleigh and can be using a Constructing Surveyor on a everlasting foundation to give attention to Hadleigh going ahead.”
