Children hospitalised after air conditioning turned off in tower block during UK heatwave

Children hospitalised after air conditioning turned off in tower block during UK heatwave One parent said her one-year-old daughter was ‘dripping with sweat’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Three children living in a London temporary accommodation block were rushed to hospital after parents claimed they were told use of air conditioning in the building was not allowed. Around 60 homeless families living in Britannia Point in Colliers Wood allegedly had their cooling units switched off by their immediate landlord without warning during the recent record-breaking heatwaves. One mother living in the block revealed her children were sweating and suffering nosebleeds after losing use of their unit. Sabrina Walters, 31, said: “My youngest is one year old, and she was dripping with sweat. “I picked her up from her chair after she had fallen asleep, and she was literally soaked. My 12-year-old was having constant cluster nosebleeds – she had between 10 and 20 within two or three days.” In a message seen by The Independent, the building reception confirmed to the mother-of-two her air conditioning had been “switched off” as the units had “not been offered as an amenity” under the arrangements of their accommodation. They said the units “cannot be switched back on as a result”, advising attempting to do so manually would constitute “interference with equipment that is not yours”. The sender clarified they were writing on instructions from the building owner, Criterion Capital, as well as the property management firm, Aura Assets Management. Responding to the claims, Aura Assets Management said the air conditioning is “fully operational and tenants have been advised they are welcome to use it”. Criterion Capital denied responsibility for the tenancies and declined to provide comment. Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh raised concerns with Aura Assets Management last week after being told by another mother in the block that she had to rush her child to A&E after losing use of her air conditioning unit. The parent told the MP the excessive heat had caused her young son to suffer “frequent nosebleeds [and] episodes of fainting”. Dame McDonagh said she had been informed of multiple cases of families being subjected to high temperatures after allegedly having their air conditioning switched off. She told the firm that she was “appalled” by the message sent by reception regarding the issue, adding: “I am shocked by the suggestion that any tenant should be left without the means to cool their homes, particularly given the known heat retention issues within the block and as we continue to experience one of the warmest summers on record.” Sources close to the residents claim two other children in the building were also hospitalised as a result of excessive heat. Mother-of-two Ms Walters, who is autistic and has mental health issues, told The Independent the situation was “distressing”, adding: “I need to get out quickly, and I can't be in a hot space. My whole mood changed. “But I kept pushing... for my kids' sake.” While she did not need to take her children to hospital, Ms Walters grew increasingly concerned for their health. But she claimed Aura Assets Management and the on-site building staff did not seem prepared to engage with her on the issue until she contacted Dame McDonagh. In a statement, Aura Assets Management added: “In light of the prolonged high temperatures, we have encouraged residents to use the systems sensibly and in accordance with their individual needs, while also being mindful of potential electricity costs. “This advice was intended solely to help residents make informed decisions about their energy consumption and should not be interpreted as discouraging the use of air conditioning for their comfort and wellbeing. “At no time have we instructed residents not to use the air conditioning provided.” Sources claimed the air conditioning was initially only turned back on in the flats of the two parents who complained to the local MP, and that residents had been quoted prices to use the units ranging from £70 for a month to £500 for the summer. The building is ultimately owned by Criterion Capital, owned by billionaire Asif Aziz, who in March was written to by London mayor Sadiq Khan over allegations of “mass evictions” of private tenants at Britannia Point and other properties to clear space for temporary accommodation placements. Merton councillor Stuart Neaverson claimed the company has shown “a shocking lack of care for the health of their residents”. “The tower is a glass box, without windows you can properly open or any other source of ventilation,” he added. “With two children already hospitalised with heat-related illnesses, and another heatwave here, Criterion Capital must end this horror.” Criterion Capital, which does not manage the tenancies in the building, declined to comment. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments