Oliver Chan works in the communal art room at Charlie Ratchford Court

FAULTY air conditioning at an extra care scheme in Chalk Farm is affecting vulnerable residents’ mental health and leaving some unable to work, the New Journal was told this week.

Built in 2021, Charlie Ratchford Court is a block of 38 homes with on-site staff to support residents who live independently but have some social care needs.

But according to residents, the air-conditioning in the new building’s communal areas has been malfunctioning since 2024, blowing out hot air that makes the space unbearably humid during extreme weather caused by climate change.

Resident Oliver Chan, a painter who works in the communal art room at Charlie Ratchford Court, told the New Journal: “We are going to have more and more extreme heatwaves in the long-term, and we are not prepared for it.

“I cannot work through it. When you come in, it’s like heating blowing into your face, especially in the hot weather. It gets very, very hot and humid inside, so you can’t even move or do anything.

“I complained to Camden, but I feel like I’m not getting anywhere and this is why I have to go to the New Journal as a last resort. They said the only thing that we’re waiting for is a part, and that seems to be taking a long time.”

Charlie Ratchford Court

With a record-breaking heatwave in London this summer, the weather has meant that Mr Chan is unable to work on his art in the building’s ground floor community room.

Mr Chan also told how told how group activities, like creative workshops and music therapy, had to be cancelled because the building was too warm.

He added: “It does affect people’s mental health when it’s really, really hot. And it’s important because there are vulnerable people with disabilities, elderly people, people with mental health issues, and people who suffer from homelessness living here.”

For Mr Chan, it would not be too extreme to adopt “climate restrictions” during heatwaves, similar to those in place during the pandemic, such as closing down major public events and instead opting for the hyper-local, to reduce emissions and keep people safe.

A Camden Council spokesperson said: “We apologise to residents at Charlie Ratchford Court for the disruption and we are regularly visiting to make sure they are comfortable and keeping cool during the hot weather.

“Temporary air conditioning units are in place in communal areas while we urgently work to repair the main system.”

The New Journal understands the delay has been due to the unavailability of parts needed, but that repairs are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.