A TENANT has slammed the Vale Council after his fourth-floor flat was left without running water, forcing him to negotiate eight flights of stairs for supplies.

Fifty-nine-year-old Lewis Carter said neighbours on the fourth and fifth floor of Awbery House, in Buttrills Walk, Barry, were left without drinking and bathing water after a back-up water pump broke down - and a fitter told them the main pump had been out of order for around a year.

The granddad-of-two, who cares for his disabled brother Michael, 26, who lives with him in the flat, said they had been forced to shower elsewhere since March 25 and buy in water until he kicked up a fuss and the Council allowed tenants to obtain water from the warden's ground-floor office.

On April 3, the Barry & District News reported how Awbery House tenant John Evans had deliberately got himself arrested so that he could have his day in court after becoming frustrated at the conditions he was experiencing living in the complex.

Lewis said: "The lift is out of order so we have got to carry the water upstairs.

"We are doing three trips a day on eight flights of stairs with five-litre bottles.

"That allows for two flushes a day and washing plates and we are taking washing out to the laundry.

"It's the inconvenience and the Council's attitude."

Vale Council acting operational manager (public sector housing) Mike Ingram apologised to the residents for the inconvenience caused through the problem with the water supply at Awbery House.

He said: "The council and its contractors have endeavoured to resolve the testing situation since the problem first arose on March 25, with the pumps failing on several occasions.

"On March 31 the contractor was instructed to replace the pumps as a matter of urgency, and the necessary works were completed on April 8 and a permanent water supply re-established.

"During this period, housing officers visited residents to establish whether there were any immediate health or welfare concerns and arrangements were made for the provision of drinking water which was delivered to individual residents.

"When it became apparent that there would be some delay in restoring a permanent water supply, residents were made aware of alternative free laundry and bathing arrangements.

"The council also offered temporary housing to residents in local hotels if this was unacceptable.

"None of the residents took up this offer.

"The council has invested considerable resources into improved security at the block and recently replaced the door access and entry system.

"The lift is also being replaced following full consultation with residents, and should be fully operational this week.

"The council is committed to investing in its housing stock and is actively working with tenants to improve their homes."