RESIDENTS in the "most picturesque place in the UK" live in idyllic Grade II-listed cottages – but say they are stuck in the dark ages.
Stamford in Lincolnshire boasts cobbled streets and rows of pretty Georgian cottages.
But locals said they are now living "in squalor" – with their crumbling council homes riddled with mould, leaks and rat infestations.
Suzette Waldon, 53, said: "None of us can live like this anymore. We are living in the Dark Ages.
"People walk by and say they'd love to live in one, well try it. I suffer from asthma and it's getting worse.
"It has left many suffering from anxiety and depression.
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"We have rotten windows. Come January they'll be frozen and you'll get black mould growing up them.
"The council has got to repair these houses to an acceptable standard.
"You might as well open all your windows and doors and let the elements come in."
Suzette said that council officers have visited the homes, which were built in 1826 – but nothing has been done.
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She said: "We're all vulnerable. Last night I was sat in my kitchen and I had blue bottles flies.
"I'm very particular and I like to keep my house clean.
"I've got rising damp in the living room on two walls, with the plaster coming off.
"In the bedroom I've got a radiator coming off. I've got stone coming off.
"The front doors are all rotten. I've got a bathroom window that is being held on with nothing
"My bedroom window is going the same way. We have no fire window. Some windows don't open at all."
Suzette said that gaping holes have forced tenants to choose between eating and warming their homes.
"The wall in the bedroom is crumbling and our heating bills are out of this world.
"One was £185 just for gas. We don't even have a shower in the property. We have a bath.
"Every excuse we get is they're listed buildings.
"It took me two years to get a back door that was rotting replaced. It wasn't insulated until July.
She added: "I had rising damp but it took them three years to sort that.
"The council should change its logo to say bodge and scarper as all they do is bodge it.
"My friend has water coming through the kitchen. We have rats in the loft space. Her windows have never been put in properly.
"We're a family this street, we look after each other in everything. It is our homes but we are crying out for help."
STAMFORD MIDGE
Neighbour Sheena Ogle said: "I've been here 15 years. Had this work been done all these years ago it would be fine.
"You call the council but you wait 30 minutes and you get someone rude.
"It's still the same now as it was in 2009. I have lived on this road for 15 years and the issues are still the same."
Councillor Jane Kingman said: "I couldn't believe how they look – it is Dickensian."
Ed Fancourt, another councillor, said: "No-one should have to live like that. We won't rest until we get some sort of resolution."
South Kesteven District Council said following a visit, it was agreed that a full inspection of the properties would be carried out by a surveyor.
It added: "While we accept there has been a short delay, the inspections have now been arranged.
"Tenants were informed by letter, posted on Tuesday, that they will take place on November 2 and 3.
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"The inspections will identify all the necessary repairs and work that can be carried out to maximise energy efficiency.
"While we understand there are frustrations, we have been working with tenants in Lumby's Terrace and will continue to do so."
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