Council supports veteran in need

Resident and RAF veteran Geoff Lewis visited the Council Offices in June as he was worried about his electrics not working. The Council’s Housing Standards Team soon established that he also had no heating, no hot water and only a couple of working sockets.

Housing Officer, Tony Coxall, said:

“We were extremely concerned for Geoff’s welfare and safety. When we visited his home, we were concerned to see how he was living and it smelt very strongly of gas.”

Geoff was unaware that the gas oven he had been using to heat his food and water for washing, was slowly poisoning him and could have created a catastrophic explosion.

“I had no idea the gas leak was so bad”, admitted Geoff, “I had just got used to the smell and didn’t notice it.”

The team switched his gas off and urged him to call Cadent Gas immediately, which he did.

Realising Geoff had served in the RAF, the team sought further support from Armed forces charity Soldiers', Sailors' & Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA).

They sourced quotes from local builders and secured grant funding from the charity to pay for a new gas boiler, full re-wire of his property, new kitchen sink, extractor fan, smoke alarm and to replace a broken manhole cover in his driveway.

Frank Hughes, Chair of SSAFA in Norfolk said:

"This was an armed forces veteran in real need of help and support and the positive outcome is a great example of what can be achieved when charities such as SSAFA and local authorities work together".

The Council’s Community Connectors also bought Geoff a new oven.

“I am so grateful for the help I’ve received,” said Geoff. “I knew the house needed work, but I just couldn’t afford to get the repairs done and soon the problems mounted up, so I just learnt ways to live with them.

“The team from Broadland Council have been brilliant and the builders have done an amazing job.”

Broadland District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, Cllr Natasha Harpley, said:

“The welfare of our residents is paramount to us. Geoff needed support and we were there to provide it, and thankfully, the team were able to avert what could have been a terrible disaster. By working with SSAFA we have been able to ensure Geoff is no longer in any danger and can enjoy a warm, safe home. “I urge anybody struggling to heat their home, or anyone that would benefit from home adaptions to contact us. Not only could it improve your quality of life, it might just save it.”

For more information on the help the Council offers, please visit our Help Hub page, call 01603 430431 or email helphub@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk