The freezing cold flats where one person has been sleeping in a hat, scarf and gloves

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Hundreds of Ancoats residents have been left without heating and hot water for more than a week. People living in the 142 flats in the Chips building, on Lampwick Lane, have faced sub-zero temperatures without hot water and central heating since New Year’s Day, when basement flooding ‘overwhelmed the infrastructure’ and ‘destroyed key equipment’.

Residents are now relying on electric or oil-fuelled heaters to stave off the icy conditions, with one pensioner sleeping in a ‘hat, scarf and gloves’. “It’s archaic.

It’s ridiculous,” added Eric Stone, 77, who bought his flat nine-years-ago. “It’s five or six below. It’s freezing outside and like an ice box without heating.

I am having to boil the kettle to wash.” Other residents have decided to leave their homes, with one staying with family 50 miles away on Merseyside. “I’m having to shower at work or go to the gym to shower,” said the 26-year-old, who shares a £1,900-per-month flat with two friends. “In terms of temperature, last night was the worst it has been.