A pensioner put up signs wishing scaffolding on her block of flats a happy birthday and saying ‘spot the workman’.

Ann Ratty, who lives in Village Road, says contractors from building firm Mulalley have been renovating her Enfield Council housing block for more than six months – even though it does not require major work.

She said during that time there had been no workmen on the site for around 70 days in total, not including the Christmas holidays.

Mrs Ratty said work was repeatedly delayed and questioned whether some of the improvements – which are costing leaseholders around £14,700 each – were even necessary.

She said: “There is nothing major here. This job pretty straightforward, but for 70-odd working days no-one has been here.

“When they did the roof, it took three to four days – and we thought, good. But a few times, we had letters saying they were going to refurbish the back where the washing lines are. It was put off two or three times.

“The council lets companies do lots of estates at the same time, but it doesn’t seem as if a lot is being done. It is ridiculous.

“Some of these properties have not been attended to for more than 20 years by Enfield Council, and they must have known that there would be major problems in some blocks.”

Mrs Ratty said she put signs up outside her block saying “spot the workman” and “happy birthday to the scaffolding” – and other residents agreed with the sentiments.

She said: “We are pensioners and were quoted around £14,700 – but it could be less than that or more. They could not do the estimate until the scaffolding is put up.”

Mrs Ratty added that some of the proposed jobs – including replacing balcony screens and putting up plastic drainpipes instead of metal ones – seemed unnecessary.

She said: “We were told that we were having the screen on the balcony replaced. When we questioned as to why, I was told it would look nicer and would be low maintenance.

“That I had to laugh at, as we haven’t been decorated for about 20 years.

“They are very flush with our money. I am a pensioner – why change something if it doesn’t need doing?”

She said the balcony screens were now being repainted instead of replaced after she disputed it and told Mulalley all they needed to do was check the screws and fittings.

Mrs Ratty said the builders had now been told to finish the outstanding renovation work by the end of January.

Enfield Council stated that the works being carried out on the houses had been agreed with residents and no unnecessary renovations were taking place.

Mulalley was appointed to the council’s Major Works Framework Contract, which means the firm demonstrated its ability to work on a number of contracts within Enfield at the same time.

A council spokesperson said it was “common practice” for several blocks to be included within one contract, ensuring better value for money.

They added: “The majority of the works are now complete on this particular block; however, the project’s completion has been pushed back by four weeks largely due to supply-chain difficulties, issues with water pressure for jet-washing, and poor weather.

“The council always consults its residents on works to their properties and in this particular case, as the residents are leaseholders, the council has a duty to discuss potential works and likely costs.

“Residents have been informed of the length of the contract and when particular works are likely to be undertaken.

“Improving the quality of properties in the borough and providing good homes in well-connected neighbourhoods are key priorities for Enfield Council.”

Mulalley was also approached for comment.