DISTRESSED flat residents are demanding an explanation for why maintenance works have come to an abrupt halt and left them without a roof.

Roof replacement works at council-owned flats in St Luke's Avenue have "come to a standstill", according to the people who live there.

Yvonne Hodges is one of them, and she says the situation is causing "a lot of stress" and safety concerns - including water pooling in kitchens.

The 46-year-old wheelchair user said: "The roof was stripped off the block of flats a month ago but the builders haven't come back since.

"I am very annoyed because not only has this building no roof but the scaffolding is right underneath my windows.

"It is a real eye-sore."

Betty Fisher, who has lived at St Luke's Avenue for more than 30 years, said her neighbour's ceiling "had starting leaking" due the lack of protection and rainfall.

"My neighbour had a pool of water in the kitchen - it is quite shocking," she said.

"As the building is also surrounded by scaffolding you can't leave the windows open just in case someone climbs up and gets in.

"We were told the works would be finished way before Christmas but I can't see that happening."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "The builders just seem to have disappeared altogether.

"I feel so embarrassed when people come to visit me when all they can see is our building without a roof and covered in awful scaffolding.

"I want a reason for why this has happened."

Miss Hodges, who suffers from arthritis, added that she sometimes struggles to get past the scaffolding.

A spokesman for the Vale of Glamorgan Council said: "The council is aware of concerns regarding maintenance work to the roofs of flats around St Luke’s Avenue in Penarth and has taken steps to address them.

“The work carried out by one subcontractor was deemed below standard and two of this company’s three teams have since been removed from the projects. That work will be upgraded, while alternative workmen are now being sought.

“A meeting has taken place with the main contractor to air concerns about work that has already been carried out and work still to be completed.

"The main contractor has been informed in writing that if standards do not improve, the council will take action.”