A FURIOUS Port man says a lack of insulation in his home has forced him into hundreds of pounds-worth of debt with his energy company - and he's now withholding his rent in protest

Daniel Lawrenson, 40, has lived in a River Clyde Homes property in Devol Avenue in Port Glasgow for around three years.

The frustrated tenant says that since he moved in, he's been in touch with RCH regularly about the low temperature in the home and believes it is down to lack of insulation.

Daniel, 40, says as the house is so cold, he can't afford to keep it at a comfortable temperature and is now in around £500 of debt with Bulb Energy.

He's so angry about his situation that he has now chosen to keep his rent money and put it into a savings account instead.

Daniel says he's been in contact with RCH about the temperature of the house three or four times over the last couple of weeks.

He said: "I can't believe how bad it is, I've been sitting here with a blanket in the living room.

"I've lived here for three years and it's the coldest house I've even been in.

"No matter how much I have the gas central heating on, it just won't heat up.

"It needs to be properly insulated.

"I've phoned River Clyde Homes three or four times about it over the last couple of weeks but they seem to be quite dismissive of the situation.

"I'm actually spending more time outside working in the garden as I'm warmed out there than I am in here."

Daniel, who lives with his partner, says he pays his gas and electricity bills monthly and has been shelling out around £90 a month.

He's concerned that as energy prices rise and winter sets in, he won't be able to cope.

He added: "It's just not covering it, the house is freezing.

"I'm getting into debt with the energy company and I don't know what to do.

"I feel like I have to choose between the rent and heating.

"I'm really concerned about the about of energy we're going to use in the winter months."

Since he moved into the property, Daniel has been plagued by a series of problems.

Earlier this year, he told the Tele he had been left with sewage seeping into his garden after workmen fixed a faulty waste pipe.

Waste from his downstairs toilet flooded the front garden and created an unbearable stench.

The property also had a leaking roof and there were problems with rats in the loft.

Daniel has made contact with legal services in Greenock and says he'll also be speaking to the ombudsman.

He added: "I would have expected this from a private landlord but not from a housing association.

"I could get a warm grant if I was a private tenant but I can't get that as I'm a housing association tenant.

"River Clyde Homes should have money in place to keep homes up to standard and insulate them properly.

"We're keeping the house in good condition but they're not keeping up their side of the bargain.

"If I'm not getting anywhere with them, I'll use the money I'm withholding to move."

A spokesperson for River Clyde Homes said: "Mr Lawrenson requested an inspection of his property and this was completed on September 27.

"It was noted at the time of the inspection that while there was no evidence of current water ingress issues, there was some condensation noted within the bathroom, which can be addressed with adequate ventilation.

"This is being discussed with the tenant.

"We are arranging further inspections of his home to determine insulation measures and any remedial actions."