A MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer was left without heating for six weeks because of repairs to her council house.

Marjorie Bryar, 59, of Council Terrace, off New Mill Road, Honley, has been having her house improved under Kirklees Council's Decent Homes scheme.

The scheme involves replacing ageing bathrooms, kitchens, windows and heating systems.

Miss Bryar has had improvements made to her kitchen and had central heating installed.

Contractors Enterprise were set on to do the work, but Miss Bryar says it has been a catalogue of chaos.

"Workmen just do a bit then leave," she said. "They don't come when they are supposed to, but do when you are not expecting them."

She had no heating for six weeks after Enterprise workmen removed her gas fire and her central heating was out of action.

She signed a form, accepting that it could take up to 20 days to install a new fire.

She said: "I've got multiple sclerosis and a heart condition and need to stay warm.

Despite many calls to Enterprise, no-one came to fix the problem.

Miss Bryar said: "You ring and speak to someone and you can't get them again. They think its just a house - but its my home."

Eventually, she persuaded the council to send a workman to repair the heating.

The engineer bypassed the thermostat so Miss Bryar could switch the boiler on and off to get heat.

But she could not set the temperature or timer.

Miss Bryar contacted Holme Valley North Clr Terry Lyons about the problems and he took up the case.

She said: "Since he has been in touch, they have told me that my gas fire will be fitted soon.

"He has been absolutely excellent. He even rang regularly to see if I was OK. I feel sorry for older people with no-one to speak up for them."

A Kirklees spokeswoman said Miss Bryar did not report any problems while work was carried out.

She added: "Unfortunately, a choice of new fire was not obtained from Miss Bryar at the time, which delayed fitting a new one.

"There have also been complications as scaffolding is required for the chimney stack to remove and replace the flue liner.

"Miss Bryar has now chosen a new fire which will be installed and fully working by today."

The spokeswoman confirmed that tenants are told work will be complete within 20 days, but added: "This is not 20 consecutive days, as there will be times when workmen are not needed there - for example, when waiting for plaster to dry."