People living in a block of flats in St Leonards Road say they have faced years of mould and asbestos problems, forcing them to constantly replace their furniture and clothes.

Neighbours describe the site in Thorpe Hamlet, maintained by Norwich City Council, as a "health hazard" and the rotten external doors and balconies "desperately" need ripping out.

The door frame is falling apart (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

Mould on curtains inside one of the flats (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

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After enduring a year of disruptive work by builders attempting to refurbish the more than 50-year-old building, they are calling for the problem to be solved.

One neighbour, who has lived at his flat for 17 years, said: “I’ve had 11 new carpets laid and have gotten three new sofas since living here as all of them have rotted.

“Last month, a contractor came round and took the tiles up which had asbestos in them.

“We then waited more than a week to get new flooring laid.

The flats in Thorpe Hamlet (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

The block of flats in St Leonards Road (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

“I’ve been waiting three weeks for a new door.

“A few years ago they replaced the floor but the mould came back.

“All the contractors appointed by the council don’t know what they are doing.

“The council don’t care.

"I pay more than £400 a month to rent my flat.

“I’m considering taking legal advice."

Desmond Brett, who has lived in the block for nine years, said: “The repairs have been bizarre.

Desmond Brett (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

“The council informed us the first phase of works would be starting around a year ago.

“Scaffolding goes up and down and then no work gets completed.

“Everything has happened in a strange order.

“All of the balconies are rotten.

Gaps between the communal door and its frame (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

“Last week, I noticed they were putting a new roof on my neighbours balcony on top of rotten timbers.

“My balcony is so bad it’s a health hazard.

“It feels like a false economy."

A spokesman from Norwich City Council said: "We have completed several requests for repairs at this block in St Leonards Road, and some of these works are still ongoing.

"There is a larger programme of work planned for later this year for several blocks in this area, including this one, to carry out more detailed repairs and painting."

© Eastern Daily Press