A HUDDERSFIELD man has hit out at Kirklees Council over delays in repairing his house.

Shahid Ali took over the tenancy of his home in Hopkinson Road, Sheepridge, on May 23.

Mr Ali, a self-employed collectables and antiques dealer, signed an agreement with Kirklees Council saying that repairs would be completed within 28 days.

But he is still waiting for the work to be completed.

The main problem is in the master bedroom, where workmen removed a fitted airing cupboard.

It was taken away on June 13, but Mr Ali is still waiting for replastering and other work to be completed before he can decorate and move furniture into the room.

This has meant his wife - and five-year-old daughter - have had to stay at her parents' home while work is carried out.

Mr Ali said: "It is not ideal to have a child there when building work is supposed to be going on.

"Plus, I can't get the bed into the room, so both of us can't sleep here. It's ridiculous."

Mr Ali has complained to the council and various officers and inspectors have visited the house.

But he has seen no progress.

Mr Ali said: "I was grateful to get this house following a fire at my old home in Birkby in April.

"I am house-proud and want to keep the place nice. But it is hard when it is in a state to start with.

"The area is great and the people are very friendly. It has improved greatly over the years.

"The council should recognise that if a person wants to remain here a long time they should make it nice and the tenant will keep it in good order.

"They need to be pressured into getting things done, rather than making false promises."

Mr Ali is also unhappy about the time taken to complete repairs to his chimney.

In May, workmen came to turn his gas fire off to prepare for the work. But it was only this month that the repairs were carried out.

Mr Ali has also asked the council to fit extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen to carry away steam - but it has refused.

He said: "They have said to leave the windows open, but that is not good in winter. Also, if we leave the windows open our house insurance could be void if we had a burg- lary."

The council also refused to help Mr Ali clear rubbish left in the garden by hiring a skip.

He said: "I am a keen gardener. I understand we are supposed to get a £50 plant allowance, but I have not seen this.

"However, I am willing to spend money and to do most of the work myself.

"But skips are expensive and this is not my mess. I just want some help."

A Kirklees spokeswoman said: "We will be visiting the tenant to discuss his concerns."