A Roehampton woman has been left without hot water or heating for more than 13 weeks.

Carmen Robinson’s gas supply was turned off by Cadent- previously National Grid- on April 12 due to a gas leak at the Alton Estate.

She and the other residents affected were told the work would be completed within four weeks while the pipes were replaced.

Three months later she has reached the end of her tether.

Ms Robinson, 49, who suffers pain in her joints and feels the cold more than normal due to an iron deficiency, described the situation as “an absolute nightmare” and “very stressful”.

She said: “I’ve been unable to take baths, wash my hair, or spend time with and look after my great niece because I have no washing facilities.

“I’m constantly having to boil the kettle and carry hot water from one room to another in order to have a wash, as well as move radiators just to keep warm.”

Cadent supplied her with an oil heater and a kettle as her appliances had “worn out” because of over-usage following the gas cut. They also offered residents use of the showers in a nearby gym.

Ms Robinson, who lives in Penwood House, said: “I am a registered carer for an unwell elderly family member who lives in Tooting and I need to be available during the week.

“Having to to and fro from the gym just to meet my hygiene needs is taking its toll on me.”

A spokesperson for Cadent put the “prolonged” replacement of the gas main down to “existing scaffolding” that was already on the block for other major works.

Along with this, the location of the gas pipework was found to be “no longer compliant” with regulations.

He said: “Therefore a new route for the pipe was agreed.

“However due to the presence of scaffolding which was there to facilitate ongoing work by the council the agreed new route could not be accessed.

“Lengthy discussions to have this removed were undertaken but the council wished to complete their work first due to the agreement they had in place with the scaffolding contractors.”

The gas company has paid the maximum amount of compensation to those affected, which Ofgem caps at £1,000, but Ms Robinson feels the cap is “adding insult to injury”.

She added: “I feel let down by the council and National Grid (now Cadent) for failing to take full responsibility for the situation.”

In a correspondence with Ms Robinson, the council said it was not responsible for the gas works and referred her to Cadent.

Have you been affected by this gas leak? Contact: grainne.cuffe@london.newsquest.co.uk