A HOUSING estate resident says she has been “gagged” by Redbridge Homes over problems with her property which go back more than a year.

Maddy Howard, 44, of the Fitzgerald Road estate in Wanstead, has written to Redbridge Homes - which manages the buildings for the council - numerous times over the past year-and-a-half to call for urgent action on matters such as badly maintained paths and car parks, broken windows and unsuitable bins.

But after her latest correspondence on June 24, Ms Howard has been told that if she does not agree to meet with Redbridge Homes representatives in person, her complaints will no longer be acknowledged and, as a private tenant, she will only be allowed to voice concerns through her landlady.

Ms Howard said: “I feel as a general rule of thumb, professionals tend to confirm everything in writing and operate more effectively when they are set targets and objectives which can be referred back to.

“You wouldn't do business with a used car salesman without getting it in writing so why should I with Redbridge Homes?

“My landlady lives in Italy and I do not see why I should have to go to completely impractical lengths to voice my concerns.

“I feel like an effort is being made to stop me pointing out obvious problems on the estate, many of which are health and safety issues.

“It's almost like some form of gagging action and I thank my lucky stars that I am a private tenant and not reliant on the good grace and impartiality of Redbridge Homes.”

Ms Howard's complaints date back to before July 2008, when Fitzgerald Road residents appeared on the Guardian's front page to claim their safety was at risk.

After a much-publicised visit by councillors in which they promised to take action, many issues still remain unresolved.

A spokesman for Redbridge Homes said: "We welcome feedback and open, constructive discussion with any of the residents of our estates.

"Staff from Redbridge Homes have had numerous discussion with Ms Howard about a number of concerns and have suggested that due to the high volume of issues over a long period of time a face to face meeting may be the best option to find a way forward.

"While we have also suggested Ms Howard could contact her landlord if she feels her complaints aren't being resolved, we have not told her that her complaints will no longer be acknowledged and will continue to acknowledge any issues she raises with us.

"Redbridge Homes takes all complaints very seriously and is committed to working with tenants to help resolve any issues."