A new home owner furious at faults with the construction has put up a warning notice to other potential buyers.

Gaynor Campbell says she has endured ten weeks of problems after moving into a George Wimpey home she says is plagued with defects at the Braidwood development near High Woods, Colchester.

Message - Mrs Campbell's sign outside her house

Mrs Campbell said she was promised that when she moved in to the £198,000 house ten weeks ago, the plot of three houses would be completed.

This week, work was continuing next door.

She has had to replace carpets due to flooding, redecorate, have work carried out on brickwork and insulation, repair cupboards and the kitchen and replace doors.

Mrs Campbell said: "The house was not ready for occupation. It is the tenth week now and it is still hell on earth."

Problems at the home have included:

The en-suite toilet plumbing failing and flooding through the ceiling into the lounge, and a leaking bath replaced

Patio doors not properly sealed and rain flooding in

Cavity wall insulation missing, and repointing needed six times

Building work continuing next door for at least ten weeks, despite assurances she was moving on to a completed plot

Mrs Campbell said that Wimpey was carrying out repairs, but due to the extent of inconvenience she is seeking compensation.

Bill Gosling, managing director of George Wimpey East London region, would not comment on the specific details of the dispute.

He added: "There have been problems with the property and I have had a claim from Mrs Campbell. My intention is to deal with the matter between ourselves and Mrs Campbell."

Published Wednesday, June 4, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette