A PENSIONER left with water running across his ceiling and flowing down his walls is delighted work has finally begun to fix the problem.

David Wastell, 82, claimed he spent nine weeks trying to get Basildon Council to act but hours after contacting the Echo work had started to fix the home.

A spokesman for the council claimed contractors had struggled for access.

Mr Wastell, of Brempsons, said: “It’s taken them about nine weeks for them to get here to fix it.

“I am obviously angry about what’s been going on.

“There was a leak in the home above mine and the water began to come through the ceiling.

“I had to put a bucket to catch it and then it came down the walls.

“My carpet in my bathroom was soaking and the room now smells because of the carpet.

“I have tried to contact the council on numerous occasions but had no answer from them.

“I have lived here for about 50 years and never had any issues in the past.

“The council has been good until now and did my bathroom and kitchen a few years back.

“I told my neighbour that the council got a flap on because the Echo got in touch.

“I think it frightened the life out of them.”

He said it’s a shame it had to come to this to get the work done.

He said he has paid community tax and rent and feels this is what that money is for.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: “When the issue was first reported our contractor had been unable to gain access to the property above Mr Wastell’s which has the leak and the job was closed down in error.

“Morgan Sindall attended the property on the morning of Tuesday, July 2.

“They identified works to the kitchen and wet room, which are being carried out.

“They also spoke to Mr Wastell and apologised for the delay.”

No explanation was given for why the job remained incorrectly “closed” for so long.