Cambridge tenants criticise 'appalling' Peabody flats where repairs 'take ages'

A Cambridge councillor has described 'appalling' problems faced by tenants at Peabody properties in the city. Councillor Nick Gay said several Peabody tenants at properties in King Street had complained about issues with their homes during recent canvassing.

The problems they described included lengthy waits for repairs and high maintenance charges of £309 per month. A Peabody spokesperson said the housing was 'working quickly' to fix outstanding repairs.

"When we ask about other residents and their experiences with Peabody, it's been pretty appalling, with complaints about long times before things like damp and water leaks are corrected," Cllr Gay said. "The people in the King Street flats are not getting the service that they should be getting for their £309 a month."

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Tenants also told Cllr Gay that they had had difficulty contacting the housing association to raise concerns – despite Peabody having an office next to the properties on King Street. One tenant, who did not want to be named, told Cllr Gay that the situation was 'frustrating'.

He said calls to the local office were put through to London and that tenants often find themselves on hold for up to an hour before their calls are answered. A sign in the office's window as of Wednesday, November 20, said: "This office is closed. We're open for appointments and deliveries only."

A spokesperson for Peabody said: "We're sorry some residents have experienced delays in their repairs. We're aware of a few outstanding repairs and are working to fix them quickly. We're also planning a meeting with residents and local councillors to address concerns."