AN EAST Lancashire resident has hit out at a housing association, claiming he is only able to live in half his house.

Jason Eccles, 40, of Kirby Road, Blackburn, says a problem with guttering at his house, rented off Places for People, has caused leaks for 10 years and left the inside covered in damp.

He claims his landlords have botched several attempts to fix the problem, but a Places for People official said the guttering had now been fixed.

He said: “For 10 years me and my wife have been put through hell.

"So much of the house is damaged now, the walls are a total mess, and we are living in just a few rooms.”

Mr Eccles, a part-time cleaner, said he had started suffering chest pains and coughing fits.

A spokesman for Places for People said: “We have fixed Mr Eccles’ guttering and been working with the local council regarding a neighbouring property which is also causing problems.

"Following this, further repairs have been undertaken this week.

“We have been keeping Mr Eccles updated and, as soon as we are confident the issue has been fully resolved, we will re-decorate Mr Eccles’ home were the damp has affected it.”