DELAYED action by Herefordshire Housing left a family with six children without central heating for seven months.

Lynne Brown and her six children who live at 19 Springfield Avenue in Hunderton have been living in the chilly conditions since Herefordshire Housing came to replace the original heating system in June.

Mrs Brown, mother of three 12-year-old boys and three girls aged 14, 15, and 16, explained the problems the family encountered.

"In the summer you don't notice the cold, but in the winter it is unbearable. My youngest son is asthmatic and had to sleep at his friends because it was just too cold for him. Hot water bottles did some good, but in the morning the house was freezing," she added.

Jim Russell Housing Manager from Herefordshire Housing admitted his company was at fault.

"Following a service of the heating system at this property an order was raised to replace the heating system in June of last year - the work being due for completion within three weeks.

"The work would have been completed within this time-scale, but due to the poor internal condition of the property the central heating engineers were unable to install the heating."

"When this happens our normal procedures are to follow this up quickly to make sure the work can go ahead. On this occasion this did not happen. We have spoken with Mr and Mrs Brown and have apologised for the delay in following this up and for the inconvenience to the family."

"We do very much see complaints as an opportunity to improve the service we offer and have already taken steps to ensure that the circumstances of this family are not repeated."

With the new heating system now working, the Browns can finally enjoy the last bit of winter in the warmth of their own home.