Devizes couple's retirement plans in doubt after £13k bill from Aster

Jackie Moxom, a 64-year-old executive assistant, is due to retire in 2024 while her husband Shane is a self-employed painter who plans to follow suit in 2025.

Their retirement is now in doubt after Aster Group increased the service charge for their block of flats on Hillier Road to over £13,000 for the year to cover major works. This rose from £53.67 the previous year.

Mrs Moxom, who has been contesting the charges since February, said: “We now have £13,550 of debt on our house when we have worked hard to keep our heads above water and not owe money.

“We are really worried because we will have a repayment plan of around £250 a month over five years which is not realistic when we will be on state pensions.”

She says the stress of battling the bill over the last 10 months, as well as dealing with Aster since they moved into the flat in 2007, has worn the pair down.

She added: “It has dragged me down. We try to get on with it but Shane has a bad back which could go at any point.  

“Earlier this year I was diagnosed with severe high blood pressure and it’s at stroke or heart attack level.

“I’ve never suffered from high blood pressure before… I’ve pent all this up and it’s worn me down. It’s worn us down.”

Aster says charges will tackle needed repairs to the building and that they have offered homeowners a repayment plan.

A spokesperson said: “This year, several elements of maintenance work on this building were needed, including roof and window repairs. These works ensure the value of these customers’ homes is maintained.

"Without this, it’s likely that may lose far more than the cost of these works, at the point of selling their home.

“Before work took place, we carried out a section 20 consultation with affected customers, allowing them to see details of the work.

"They could also put forward their suggested contractor to complete the works, and estimate prices were gathered through a competitive tender process.

“Providing customers with a quality service and value for money has been important in planning these works and throughout the year we’ve been speaking to affected customers to discuss the help available."

But flat owners claim major works are only necessary because Aster have allowed the building to fall into disrepair by not carrying out sufficient maintenance over 16 years.

In a letter to tenants defending their maintenance record Aster listed several repairs they had undertaken, but these were mostly minor jobs such as the replacement of a cracked roof tile in 2014 and the replacement and repair of several communal lights.

Meanwhile Mr and Mrs Moxom’s bedroom window is currently rotting but they say it was not deemed a necessary repair.

The Moxoms are not satisfied with Aster's maintenance of the building. (Image: Newsquest)

They also disagree that Aster have done their due diligence to ensure that the current works have been done at the best price for homeowners.

A breakdown of the costs which have led to the inflated service charge revealed that Aster were quoted £687.50 for the preparation, painting and glossing of the three external doors alone.

Mrs Moxom said: “We’re in debt now through no fault of our own. If Aster had maintained the building properly at the start and put a proper sinking fund in place we wouldn’t be in this position.”

Mr Moxom agreed: “My biggest frustration is they won’t stand up and say they’re wrong and they haven’t for 16 years.”

All eight of the effected flats maintain that they cannot afford the repayment plan that Aster have offered them.