A Pitsea man claims he has been forced to live like a hermit in his own home - by a five-month wait for repairs to his back door.
Colin Maynard, 20, claims council workers have visited his flat five times since his back door was broken down by burglars and a window shattered in May.
But in all that time, they still haven't fixed the problem.
Security worry - Colin Maynard must pay housesitters when he goes out because his door can't be locked Picture: DAVE HENDERSON
His flat, in Elm Green, Pitsea, remains a wind tunnel - and an open invitation to villains.
"This broken door has had an immense impact on me," Colin said. "I have hardly been out, as I have been too frightened of what might happen if the burglars came back.
"I have been off work because of stress and this problem has just been making things worse."
He claims that, whenever council workers come round to fix the door, they see the state of its frame and say it needs replacing - but do not come back to finish the job.
A Basildon Council spokesman has assured Mr Maynard a date will be set for the work very soon.
The council spokesman added: "We are fitting a new, specifically-made UPVC door to Mr Maynard's home rather than replacing the damaged one."
Published Friday October 25, 2002
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