Frustrated residents in New Malden have had to put up with scaffolding on their block of flats for over two years, after repair work was delayed by building insurance issues.

The housing association in charge of Crown House in Kingston Road said the scaffolding was put up to repair part of the structure of the building due to a defect in the construction.

It was meant to protect residents from falling masonry until PA Housing was able to make the repairs.

But work, which finished last week, did not begin until June 11 this year, when insurance issues were resolved.

Crown House resident Jason McKenzie, 42, who is a repairs adviser himself, said the scaffolding has had a detrimental impact on his living standards.

Mr McKenzie said: “These works should not have been taking place for over two years. It should have been two months.

“PA Housing sent a letter about this two years ago to say they were going to carry out repairs to the window reveals.

“The scaffolding has been up for two years. Pieces of foam and small debris have fallen off the scaffolding. People have been saying something is wrong with that building.”

Mr McKenzie also claims building material left on-site has encouraged fly-tipping in the vicinity and anti-social behaviour.

In an email to PA Housing, shown to the Surrey Comet, he wrote: “The scaffolding has been an eyesore for the New Malden community for over two years and has become the talking point for all those who reside in New Malden and visitors too.”

A spokesperson for PA Housing said: “Due to the extensive nature of these repairs, we are now decorating the exterior of the building. We expect the scaffolding to come down before Christmas.

“We have been communicating with the residents during the process and we will continue to do so. We are sorry that the scaffolding has had to be up for so long and apologise for any nuisance caused."

The spokesperson added: “We would like to assure the residents that the work has been necessary in order to maintain and improve Crown House and concern for their health and safety has been paramount during this whole process."