Pensioners in a West Norwood sheltered home say they have been living in leaking flats and with suspected asbestos for nearly two weeks while they wait for the council to fix the problem.

John and Norma Janes, who are both in their 80s and disabled, live in Northwood House in Hamilton Road.

Mr Janes said: "When the people in the flat upstairs have a shower it runs down on to our work surfaces.

"There is also a vile smell from the damp and our clothes reek of it. Our food is even starting to taste of it."

Although plumbers have been sent to their building twice, on both occasions they have refused to continue working until suspected asbestos behind two kitchen panels in the upstairs flat is confirmed safe.

Anil Kassam, 65, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, lives upstairs with his wife.

He said: "I was told someone from the asbestos disposal unit would contact me but that hasn't happened yet.

"I am concerned because I have heard a lot about asbestos."

A spokesperson for Lambeth Living, which manages the council’s housing stock, stressed the presence of asbestos was yet to be confirmed.

She added: "The safety of all tenants is paramount and no-one has been compromised by this repair.

"As an additional security measure, we have commissioned specialists to carry out conclusive tests.

"Temporary repairs to the leak have been completed in the interim.”

But Conservative councillor Graham Pycock criticised Lambeth Living and said not enough was being done.

He said: "Why is there still asbestos in this building when it was supposed to have been cleared?. Yet again, Lambeth Living has fallen down on proper inspections; both fire checks and asbestos checks.

"Pensioners have been left with floods of smelly water while Lambeth Living waste time and money sending plumbers round without special safety equipment.

"We need action this day."