A PORTISHEAD pensioner has been forced to wash in the cold at his elderly people's bungalow after being left with no hot

A PORTISHEAD pensioner has been forced to wash in the cold at his elderly people's bungalow after being left with no hot water for more than two weeks.Alan Balaam, aged 74, of Church Close, reported a fault with his hot water system to North Somerset Housing on May 6.But two weeks later, the former serviceman, who has a heart condition, was still without hot water in his home, a sheltered home for the elderly.The housing association was due to finally fix the problem today (Wed) after visiting Mr Balaam yesterday.Mr Balaam has a team of council carers who come in twice a day at his council-managed home to help him wash and do household chores.And for the last fortnight they have been forced to wash him either with cold water or by boiling the kettle.Mr Balaam, who is also diabetic, said: "I first reported the fault on May 6, but it still hasn't been repaired."Someone came out, looked at the tank and said it was perforated, but I have heard nothing since and I have been left without water now for two more weeks."It has been terrible as I am having to wash in either cold water or having to boil the kettle."Not only that but I can't use the washing machine or wash up my dishes."My carers are disgusted and cannot believe I have been left in this situation for so long."Mr Balaam moved to the sheltered bungalow nine years ago with his wife who later died.He is now considering taking the matter up with Woodspring MP Dr Liam Fox.A spokesman for North Somerset Housing said: "We were on site yesterday but did not have the correct part to fix the problem. It should be fixed today.