AN AILING Southampton man left without hot water for more than a week has had his boiler repaired – but won’t be compensated for his ordeal.

Council tenant John Young, 79, breathes through a tube and had to call out maintenance for the 37th time earlier this week.

As reported by the Daily Echo earlier this week, his 83-year-old wife has struggled with carrying boiling water up and down stairs.

Repairs done on Tuesday were delayed because replacement parts had to be made specially in Italy, Mr Young said.

Southampton City Council refused to disclose whether any other properties have the rare boilers or explain why Mr Young would not receive compensation.

The pensioner, of Chettle Road, Thornhill, was promised a new boiler within a fortnight and told the old model was one of just 60 left in the country.

The boiler broke down on Easter Sunday, and it was a further 10 days before any repairs could be undertaken.

Mr Young, a retired fixer’s mate, worked with asbestos in the 1960s and was diagnosed with asbestosis in 2006.

The lung condition means he has to take an oxygen canister whenever he leaves the house.

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council, said: “We have a dedicated team that carries out works across our extensive property portfolio. We regret that repairs to our properties can sometimes take longer than residents would like but we work hard to action any repairs as soon as possible.”