Mum left without heating for a week

And Tara Ashton, 24, claimed she was given the cold shoulder when she complained to Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH). She said: “The woman I spoke to was very rude.

“I said to her it was ridiculous that I’ve been left without heating for one week as I’ve got two young children who both suffer from asthma.

“The woman said to me on the phone that that’s not her problem.”

Despite several visits from contractors, the problem, caused by sludge in the radiator pipes, was only fully resolved yesterday.

And Mrs Ashton said the health of her daughters, Katy-May, three, and nine-month-old Hannah Rose, had been affected.

They are now on antibiotics after developing chest infections. They suffer from ‘winter asthma’, which is made worse by the cold.

Mrs Ashton, of Mountain Drive, Thornhill said: “I’m absolutely disgusted that they left me this long without heating.

“I feel they should replace the whole boiler as this happens every year.”

Paul Buckley, KNH’s director of operations, said: “We’re very sorry that Mrs Ashton has had a problem with her central heating system. We understand how difficult this can be, especially at this time of year, but can assure her that Kirklees Building Services, who carry out repairs on behalf of KNH, have been working to solve the problem.

“After each visit the boiler has been left working.”

He added that no evidence had been found of the alleged poor customer service Mrs Ashton received and that all calls were recorded.