Warmer homes work leaves Wick residents cold

Exeter-based Tru-Clad Ltd has expressed its regret over the poor standard of work completed by some of its tradesmen, which left homes in a “shambolic state” with gardens wrecked, drainage incomplete and piping exposed.

Residents of Highfields Cottages said they had a nightmare four months while builders from the company were installing energy-saving wall insulation cladding, as part of the Community Energy Saving Project, started last year.

Bev Treble, who owns her home at Highfields Cottages, was one of those worse affected.

The 65-year-old, who has lived in her Wick house for 15 years, said: “Every time I turn on my washing machine or use my sink, water spills out from the unfinished pipes, into my garden flooding it.

“The drains were blocked with concrete, garden fences still haven’t been put back up and the painting is a mess.

“They left to complete another job before finishing off my home. That’s unforgiveable. It was a job that started in September that I thought would take two or threes weeks. Four months later, here I am, still trying to sort this mess out.”

The scheme, which was given the green light by Arun District Council, saw Tru-Clad install exterior wall cladding insulation to around 300 homes in Wick.

Daniel Leigh, Tru-Clad’s commercial manager, admitted mistakes had been made. He said the company had to increase its workforce to meet the high demand during the final months of the project.

“Unfortunately, there were a few occasions where, despite rigorous pre-selection screening and references, the work of a minority of sub-contractors did not meet the high standards expected by Tru-Clad and our customers. Consequently, any such sub-contractors were removed from site. Unfortunately, this was the case with the sub‐contractors engaged to work on the property owned by Mrs Treble,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Arun said last year’s heavy rainfall had disrupted a lot of the work. She added Arun would be working to ensure all work was completed. Those with concerns can call 01903 737837.