Walsall families furious over cost of heating homes

Tenants living in Accord Group properties in Finery Road and Iron Mill Way, Darlaston, have reported exceptionally high energy charges, prompting an investigation into the issue.

Some residents have been forced to move out due to soaring costs, while others are switching off their heating systems as much as possible to save cash.

Dave Livesey, asset manager for Accord Group, said an investigation was underway to measure energy usage in the properties and encouraged residents to approach the housing association if they think they are affected.

Retired shop assistant Sylvia Kelly has lived with husband James, 55, in a two-bedroom bungalow in Iron Mill Way for just over two years.

The 61-year-old said: "Lots of people are saying they are not happy with their system.

"We pay £80 to £85 a month because we only have the heating on in one room for three hours in the evenings to save on bills, but there's one radiator in the hallway that stays on constantly and we can't turn in off.

"Someone else has had a bill for £1,700 for the quarter. People have had to borrow money to pay their bills.

"Some people have moved out because they can't afford it. It's absolutely outrageous.

"We've contacted Accord but feel like it's just getting brushed under the carpet."

Darlaston South Councillor Doug James said urgent action was needed after meeting residents who said they were switching off their heating systems in the coldest weather to avoid scandalously high charges.

He said another resident had gone to the expense of installing a new central heating system to keep costs down.

Councillor James added: "Providing new homes is a desperate need in Darlaston, but we cannot allow inefficient heating systems and greedy energy suppliers to ruin the budgets of local people.

"The estate is still being built. There's something very wrong when families are moving because they can't afford the heating bills."