A pensioner who spent last winter “freezing” in his own home in Lydd says he is desperate for his heating to be fixed as the colder weather fast approaches.

Reginald Moorby, 85, says he had no choice but to wear his coat inside and a dressing gown to bed after his poor heating system failed to keep him warm.

The former engineer, who started his career as a radio mechanic in the Royal Signals, has now stopped paying his rent in protest.

He said: “As of August 12 I’ve paid no rent and I refuse to pay until I get some heating. This is making me ill.

“My nerves are shattered to be honest. And I’m feeling desperate.”

Mr Mooby, a father of two, lives in a flat in sheltered accommodation at Mittell Court, in Lydd, Romney Marsh.

He says he has reported the problem to housing provider East Kent Housing, Folkestone and Hythe District Council and his warden numerous times.

He said: “I’ve had heating problems since last October. That’s nearly a year.

“During the winter months it was freezing in here. Only about two inches of the radiator gets warm - and it’s just lukewarm, not hot.

“I’d go to bed with underclothes and a dressing gown.

“In the day I’d wear my coat. I’ve reported it umpteen times. People have visited but nothing’s been done.

“My neighbours also have problems.”

Mr Moorby, who has trouble with his balance and often falls, was given a fan heater by the council but said it “eats the juice” and has stopped using it.

But with the weather now turning colder he fears he will suffer again this winter.

He said: “It is a bit nippy in the mornings. And it’s only going to get worse.”

His housing provider says delays in fixing the problem were the result of having to order “specialist parts” but now hopes to solve the issue in the coming weeks.

A spokeswoman for East Kent Housing said: “We would like to apologise to residents at Mittel Court for the issues with the heating system, which are affecting communal areas as well as individual flats.

“There have been multiple issues that have needed to be addressed, and due to the age of the system we have had to order specialist parts, which has contributed to the timescales in fixing the system.

“Our engineers hope to carry out this work in two weeks once the parts are received.”

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