A WINCHESTER woman is set to move back into a house, more than one year after being moved out due to damp problems.

Sarah Cragg was moved from an A2Dominion property in Parchment Street to a flat in The Valley, Stanmore, in February last year.

At that time, she was told that she would be able to move back to Parchment Street in August.

When this didn't happen, the housing association admitted that the work had taken longer than expected and reassured her that she would be given regular updates.

Now she has been told that she should be able to move back in April.

The Winchester Radio volunteer said: “I feel that for a social housing association, A2Dominion is shocking. I want to see that all those who work for them and earn enough money for their own property should have a go at being tenants for at least a year and then they would soon find out just how terrible the service is. They wouldn't accept it, so why should we?”

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Last year, she described the impact the situation had on her health. She said: “This situation has forced me to reduce my work hours and now I am in a state of limbo and don't know how to move forward. I am a good tenant, never been in arrears and have always tried to do the right thing.

“I am just so fed up and tired with this situation.”

The rent on Ms Cragg's property has also increased by nearly £1,000 recently, going from £5,833 to £6,717 per year.

She said: “That's a lot of money that my wages with the NHS do not reflect. And to add insult to injury most of that money is for maintenance fees.”

Dawn Wightman, director of homes and communities at A2Dominion, said: “We would like to apologise to Ms Cragg for the time it has taken to repair her property and for any inconvenience caused. We take damp very seriously and it was important that we carried out a thorough investigation to ensure the problem is fully resolved. 

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“Repairs are now complete, and a post-work inspection has been scheduled. We remain in close contact with Ms Cragg about moving back in. 

“Unfortunately, we’ve had to communicate to our customers that there will be rent increases that are in line with the cap set by the government, while remaining below the level of inflation. 

“The rising cost of electricity, gas and materials has meant service charges will also increase. This tough decision ensures services and repairs to shared areas and outside spaces can be maintained to the highest standard. All of our profits are reinvested. We are working closely with all our customers and providing advice and support to those in need.”