A YOUNG mum and her 18-month-old baby son were left without heating and hot water for four days over Christmas, it was claimed this week.

Joanne Robinson, 23, of Grangemoor, said she would have been desperate if her mum hadn't lived nearby.

She said: "I am lucky my mum lives across the road, otherwise my baby would be in hospital.

"I think it is disappointing being a single parent with a child and having no heat or hot water."

She reported the problem on Christmas Day. An engineer came out and tried to replace a fuse but it blew so he said he would have to return the following day.

Joanne moved in with her mum because it was too cold to stay at home, telling the contractors to cross the road for a key. But when she returned, she found a card saying they were unable to gain access.

A spokesperson for Halton Council said: "The problem was reported on Christmas Day and our contractor sent out an engineer the same afternoon.

"Unfortunately the problem could not be resolved immediately and an engineer called to the property the next day. The tenant wasn't at home so he had to return two days later."