by Pete Lammas

HIGH temperatures in an elderly Bromsgrove woman's flat, coupled with a lack of ventilation, may have contributed to her collapse and subsequent death, her family claims.

Registered blind Doreen Ward, 86, formerly of Charford, a tenant in Shenstone Court very sheltered warden controlled accommodation off Burcot Lane, collapsed on June 15.

She died in hospital six days later from a stroke and pneumonia.

Her daughter Christina Squibb, who lives in Matlock, said temperatures in a corridor adjacent to her mother's flat were recorded at being over 95Fand the heat in the flat itself was also oppressive.

On June 3 Mrs Squibb's sister Wendy Turner wrote to Bromsgrove District Housing Trust, (BDHT) which manages the complex, highlighting the problem and asked for help to alleviate the excessive heat.

But she says she did not receive a reply or acknowledgement at that time.

Mrs Squibb admits her mother, a diabetic, had been in poor health prior to her death.

In a letter to trust boss Mike Brown she said prolonged temperatures of 90F or more can put great strain on the body's functions and vital organs, and claimed that there was a serious problem which could have contributed to her mother's collapse and subsequent death.

Mrs Turner said the heat was so intense door handles were hot to touch and cold water in the taps was warm..

The flat receives the full glare of the sun she said and Mrs Ward had three fans.

However, she was nervous about opening windows for fear of wasps entering.

The letter to Mr Brown concludes with a plea for urgent acton to prevent similar problems happening to others.

In a statement trust operations director Tony Lowry said they 'strongly refute' allegations made in the original letter and have written to the family explaining why.

He said it was felt inappropriate to reply to their letter while the family was grieving

Regarding heat in the corridor he said independent investigations indicate it does not pose a risk to health, adding there is no reason for residents to spend a prolonged time there.

He went on to say all flats have windows and heating controls on radiators and access to water, and on hot days staff ensure residents are kept hydrated and in the shade.

"Legally organisations have a responsibility to ensure heating does not drop below a certain level, but not to ensure a maximum level.

"However, we take health and safety as well as the comfort of tenants very seriously.

"There is no evidence to suggest the family's allegations against BDHT are true and as there has been no coroner's inquest or issue of heat mentioned on the death certificate, currently their comments are simple unsubstantiated rumours against our reputation."

Offering the family the trust's condolences he concludes by saying it can not accept the complaint and allegation outlined in the letter.