Residents at a retirement complex say they are living in a “nightmare” thanks to subsidence, leaks and damp.

Despite paying service charges to live at Homevale House in Sandgate, the occupiers claim there are constant issues at the block - including the laundry room being out of action.

Pauline Beever, who moved into her flat in 2019, said: “We have a lot of subsidence which has been propped up with scaffold poles.

“It’s been like that since I moved in.

“We can’t use the balcony in our community lounge either because it’s been deemed unstable.”

Ms Beever, 69, claims management company Arrow Leasehold Management promised work would start to fix the sinking building in June.

However, a permanent solution has not yet been achieved.

She said: “They say ‘we can't do this because it's going to increase the maintenance charge’.

“Well, quite frankly, I'd rather pay a bit more and see it fixed.”

Ms Beever rents her property and says she pays £3,300 a year for her electricity and maintenance fees combined.

Another resident - who does not wish to be named - says she has had problems with leaks in her flat, which began following bad weather in March 2021.

The 63-year-old explained: “There was a huge storm and I noticed leaks started.

“They came to fix it but then it started leaking around the window again.

“Then another started this March and has not been fixed.

“I have watermarks and damp on my ceiling now.”

The anonymous woman has lived in the complex for two-and-a-half years, and says the problems are taking their toll.

She said: “It’s too much stress. Everyone is so unhappy.

“I feel like no one listens.”

Ms Beever says another 94-year-old pensioner has also had repeated leaks and damp in her property for years.

Residents are also upset after the laundry room was shut off twice. This was due to a washing machine being “contaminated” with faeces.

Residents are not allowed washing machines in their rooms becase of noise issues and a risk of flooding.

Ms Beever recalled: “We have no alternative. There are lots of confused faces wandering around the lobby saying ‘what do we do?’.

“Not everyone has family or can afford to pay someone.

“It sounds a bit small and petty, but it is affecting people's lives and we are upset about it.”

Managers for Arrow Leasehold Management posted a notice at the time, stating: “It is with regret a serious incident has been reported to Arrow to which we have taken the decision to close the laundry room. There has been a serious health and safety breach which could cause harm to residents.

“A resident has unfortunately washed their clothes in the sink and washing machine/ doers, which contained faeces, thus the risk of harmful bacteria spreading is present.

“We have instructed a company to attend and carry out a full deep clean on the machines and sink area.

“Once the cleaning has been completed we will inspect and reopen the laundry room.”

The firm was contacted for comment on the other concerns but did not respond.

Deputy leader for Folkestone and Hythe District Council Tim Prater said the apparent lack of repair works was “pretty disgraceful”.

“Given the thousands that residents have to pay in service fee each year to live in Homevale House, on top of the purchase price of the flat, it's pretty disgraceful if the management company aren't dealing with issues such as leaks.”