RESIDENTS at a housing provider in London have begun a service charges strike over poor conditions.

The tenants of Canada Court and Clifton Lodge in Woolwich are the latest group to join the action by Social Housing Action Campaign.

The residents say that PA Housing failed to respond to residents’ demands for a refund for services that were paid for but went undelivered, as well as a new contractor that can deliver “to a proper standard.”

Canada Court and Clifton Lodge Tenants and Residents Association chairman Chris Sayudo said: “We have demanded PA pay us back our service charge contributions for the last three years relating to cleaning and security services.

“This equates to about £500 for each home for every year.

“For years, [sub-contractor Pinnacle] has been failing to deliver. All the staff are supposed to be Security Industry Authority accredited, but many haven’t got their badges.

“They have never provided security and as we tenants and leaseholders all know, the buildings are filthy.

“The contract with the cleaning and security company is now up for renewal.”

Residents say the strike will continue until the money is recouped.

PA Housing said both accommodations were “well maintained and regularly cleaned,” and that cleaners did not need SIA accreditation.

A spokesperson told the Star: “We will of course continue to work closely with our residents and the residents’ association to continue to deliver clean, tidy and well maintained communal areas.

“This includes working with the chair of the residents’ association who is also one of our neighbourhood champions and joins our staff on estate visits where we talk about priorities for future work.”