A gas problem hit North Ayrshire Council’s Watt Gardens complex on December 27, with elderly residents being provided with temporary heaters.
The council confirmed they are now awaiting a replacement part for the heating system, which is linked to the new Dalry Primary School’s biomass boiler.
But families of some residents were concerned that leaving temporary heaters in the homes of some elderly and infirm tenants could be a fire risk.
One relative claimed: “It is verging on dangerous.”
It’s the second winter where residents of Watt Court have been left without proper heating, after a similar incident back in January 2024. The primary school was also forced to close on that occasion.
The retirement housing complex was built around four years ago and contains more than 40 flats and bungalows.
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Our contractor has identified a fault which has caused an issue with the heating and hot water at Watt Court, Dalry.
“In order to repair the system, a specific part is required and is on order.
“Unfortunately, we anticipate a delay in receiving this due to the festive period and it may be into the new year before the system is fully operational.
“In an effort to minimise the impact on residents, temporary heaters have been deployed to ensure a comfortable temperature can be maintained within each property.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will look at ways in which we can improve reliability going forward.”
A relative of one of the Watt Court OAPs said: “This obviously leaves all the residents vulnerable to cold, flu or worse and also increases the risk of fire if they are all using fan heaters or the likes.
“Every time Dalry Primary closes for holidays there are issues with the connected biomass heating system, but this one is verging on dangerous.
“The council have a duty of care in protecting these vulnerable, elderly residents, especially with the lack of a winter fuel allowance.”