Issue 142

Student Housing Safety Row

08th May 2006

Students from Block E of Beck House are currently locked in a stalemate with Gwalia Housing Group, the company responsible for the maintenance of the building.

The students claim that they have experienced repeated heating and electrical failures since the beginning of the academic year, and have taken the "difficult decision" to withhold the next installment of their rent.

Problems first arose in September, when Gwalia housing dismissed concerns from students who complained about the insufficient number of power sockets in their rooms.

Meanwhile, Gwalia Housing have assured students that running several appliances from the two sockets is secure, as they had been thoroughly checked and a valid safety certificate was in place.

The row escalated when the block suffered continued breakdowns in the heating system and although students affected were provided with electric heaters, these often caused the trip switch to blow and cut off electricity to the whole corridor.

"All the food in our fridges was spoiled," said Mr. Hayward. "Gwalia attributed it to a faulty appliance but an emergency electrician discovered that the circuit breaker was incorrectly wired, causing the wires to overload and burn through. It's just not acceptable."

When this was raised with Gwalia, students allege that it took them six weeks to respond. Their reply simply reiterated that they had "all the correct paper work."

"We feel let down by Gwalia," added Mr. Hayward. "They have absolved themselves of any responsibility towards our welfare. We will continue this dispute until Gwalia enter into a meaningful dialogue to resolve the situation."

At the time of going to print, Waterfront was still awaiting a comment from Gwalia.

Waterfront Online