Worcester couple slam Platform Housing over home conditions

Derek Bozward and his wife Wendy Bozward are unhappy with the support they have received from Platform Housing regarding their property.

The couple say they live with bare and peeling walls, are cold after a gas fire providing vital warmth was removed, and say carport repairs were started but not completed.

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Mr Bozward, 71, said: "We are incredibly unhappy with Platform Housing and the condition of our home is just unacceptable. We have been through hell.

"My wife is a double amputee and requires round-the-clock care, and I am 71 years old and weigh just six stone, I cannot help her and take care of the property on my own.

"We have a supportive family but we need Platform to help us."

Mr Bozward, of Blenheim Road, St John's, cares for his wife and requires a stairlift at the home.

He claims Platform removed his gas fireplace in September 2022 and has not suggested it will be replaced.

He said: "I have no idea why they even removed it. The mantel around the fire was removed and they wanted to take it away but I said to leave it as it was my proof that it had been removed.

"Without that fire, we were sat wrapped in duvets all winter freezing cold and not wanting to put our central heating on as it cost too much.

"We are now left with a horrible space where the fire used to be."

Mr Bozward also claimed that staff were unhelpful during visits, and suggested he decorate the interior and his garden himself.

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He said: "Our walls are bare, damaged and peeling. I have previously been given a sum of money from Platform to spend but I just cannot do this stuff myself any more.

"I have had so many falls being on ladders. A while back now, they did come and repair my carport but stopped about three-quarters of the way.

"I took it upon myself to try and finish what they started but I ended up falling through and damaging my coccyx.

"We also have a door leading from just outside our kitchen to the carport which has to be secured with rope otherwise it would not shut, it just is not right."

Mr Bozward highlighting where he fell through his car port. (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Platform Housing said they have offered the couple several alternative home options already.

They said: “Platform is supporting Mr and Mrs Bozward to help them find a new home as the property they currently live in is no longer suitable for their needs.

"They are also finding it hard to manage the general upkeep of their home, which is their responsibility.  

"Although several suitable homes have been offered to them, which they have declined, we will continue to support them in any way we can.”