NEIGHBOURS have been left upset after a man’s body remained undiscovered in a Worcester flat for weeks, with clean-up work still yet to be completed months later.
Housing association Citizen has responded to concerns after a person was found dead at a property in Donaldson Court in Diglis on July 27.
The neighbour was found deceased weeks after residents rasied concerns with the housing association and the property remains awaiting specialist cleaning months later.
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Head of Income and Commercial Housing at Citizen, Paula Jenner, said she recognises this is a very difficult and upsetting time and her thoughts remain with everyone affected.
“We appreciate that dealing with a loved one’s home following their death can be incredibly distressing, and we want to do what we can to support the family during this difficult time,” she said.
Cleaning still needs to take place at the property in Donaldson Court despite the discovery in July. (Image: Newsquest)
“As this is a privately owned property and the homeowner was not a Citizen tenant, responsibility for the contents and condition of the flat transfers to their estate following their death, in line with the terms of the shared ownership lease.
“Citizen’s responsibility at the block is limited to the communal areas and the external structure of the building, as well as our own tenants.
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“While clearing and cleaning the inside of the property is not part of our responsibility, we recognise the circumstances facing the family.”
Ms Jenner added that teams have been in touch with the family and offered to arrange a specialist bio-clean of the flat on their behalf.
“This is a very sad time for the family, and our thoughts are with them,” she said.
“We’ll continue to listen to concerns raised by residents of the block and investigate any issues that are raised with Citizen.”
The apartment block sits by Thomas Baxter Close. (Image: Newsquest)
Citizen was first called to the property on July 7 when concerns were raised about a neighbour who had not been seen recently.
The body was then found in the flat on July 27.
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The property has been secured, and the mattress and carpet in the flat have been removed to help the next of kin gain access.
West Mercia Police revealed it was aware of the incident and that its thoughts are with the family and friends of the man “who sadly died”.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “West Mercia Police follow the Right Care, Right Person approach and information reported to us is assessed to determine whether the police are the most appropriate service to respond.
“Based on the information provided at the time, our staff assess the circumstances and, where there is no indication of a policing need, advise the person reporting the concern of the most appropriate agency or service to contact.”
