Chloe calls again for council action on windows: Labour is letting people down in Norwich

Chloe Smith today called again for action on the problems of single glazed council properties and hit out at Labour in the city.

Following previous action when first elected as MP for Norwich North, Chloe today visited residents in Hillmead to see for herself the single glazed windows of one home which do not close fully, let in the rain and distort their fittings.

As MP, Chloe has acted for residents with a range of problems with single glazed windows. Many residents claim they have been let down on promised dates for double glazing works.

Many residents comment that their windows allow in draughts and lead to damp. Naturally single glazed windows retain less heat, leading to high fuel bills over the last winter as in many years before.

Since October Chloe has been in correspondence with the City Council pressing for action in Millcroft (Sewell ward) and Hillmead (Catton Grove) on properties with ‘Wimpy No Fines' windows. This type of window is complex to replace as modifications can lead to structural instability. However, Norwich City Council has failed to identify a replacement solution to date and has repeatedly put off its replacement programme. Chloe is awaiting a response to a request to the City Council dated 26th February, pressing for the results of a meeting with structural engineers and window manufacturers. Her letter seeks comparative data on these window types.

Since January Chloe has taken up cases in Bowers Avenue, previously reported in the Evening News. Many windows are in serious disrepair and in some cases residents cannot close their windows properly.

Chloe says: "This simply isn't good enough, on all types of windows. In general, the City Council must know that single glazed homes are inefficient, draughty and expensive for people to run. Why aren't they acting quicker to help people make their homes modern, green and warm? Do they plan to keep promises to people on dates for replacement?

"More specifically, the City Council has had years to find a solution to the problem of Wimpy No Fines. I do not want residents to get caught up in the changeover of contractors and suffer again into another cold winter. I understand that technical solutions do exist and I share residents' frustration at apparently no action over years. Also, failing to reply to a letter within two months is inadequate.

"Labour is letting people down in Norwich. It simply isn't good enough to leave people with windows like these."