A man has hit out at a housing association over dust left after the installation of his new kitchen.

Paul Riddick, of North View, Aspatria, had a new kitchen fitted by Home Group between December 3 and January 8 - but claims workers left the revamped room in a poor state, which has also left him unable to cook.

Fed-up over the dust accumulated in his home due to the works, which has settled in various rooms around his house - coating furniture, the carpet, and ornaments - the 58-year-old former construction worker made a formal complaint to the company over the mess on December 14.

He said: “A junior surveyor came to my home to inspect it after my complaint.

“He was only in for a short while and said the kitchen looked okay.

“I’m shocked that Home Group find the mess they have made totally acceptable for me to live in, they wouldn’t have it in their house.

“The workers have finished on site, and have signed the job off.”

Paul had to give up his job several years ago to look after his mum until her death three years ago, but can’t work now due to ill health.

He added his family have lived in the rented-council home for 52 years.

Following his complaint to the Newcastle-based housing association, Paul heard back this week, with a offer of £125 in compensation, but still unhappy with the response, he decided to reject the money.

Steve Heywood, of Home Group, said: “One of our surveyors attended a customer’s property after he informed us there had been dust left following the installation of a new kitchen.

“We acknowledged that was in fact the case and after apologising offered the customer compensation for our oversight. The compensation was declined and we have not heard from the customer since.”