A pensioner and his elderly lodger have been left without any central heating for more than a week despite repeated calls to the council.

Ian Williams, 77 and Frank Hart, 80, of Royal Lane, Hillingdon, have endured the freezing temperatures with the help of blankets because they could only afford to put two electric heaters on for several hours a day.

Mr Williams's son Ronald, 55, has come down from his home in Northampton because of his concern for his father and Mr Hart.

Ronald said: "It's been freezing cold here and both of them are elderly - they shouldn't have to go through this. We put a fan heater on, but had to turn it off after two hours because it's just too expensive and they can't afford it on their pensions.

"I've contacted Hillingdon Homes every day and they've repeatedly postponed the repairs. My father should be a top priority because he is elderly, but no-one seems to care about the aged - they work all their lives only to end in doom and gloom."

Mr Williams said his father does not drink, but he gave him half a bottle of scotch just to help keep him warm.

He added: "Even at my age the situation made me angry - I had to sit in my chair with my dressing gown wrapped around my feet."

Chris Commerford, a spokesperson for Age Concern in Bentinck Road, West Drayton, said: "It is particularly important for older people to be kept warm because they are more vulnerable to hypothermia, and can slip into unconsciousness and not be aware they are becoming hyporthermic.

"I'm surprised to hear this gentleman has waited so long to get his heating fixed. I know Southern Electric and British Gas actually provide an emergency service for the elderly."

Tim Price, chief executive officer at Hillingdon Homes, said: "The central heating problem was repaired on Monday and is now working correctly. Hillingdon Homes provided our tenant with temporary heaters until the repairs could be completed."

* For more information contact Age Concern on 01895 431 331.