A boiler problem which left hundreds of tenants without heating for 12 weeks has been largely fixed.

The Argus reported yesterday that the communal boilers serving the tower blocks at Nettleton Court and Dudeney Lodge, Brighton, broke down in August.

They were replaced by a new system on October 19, despite notices assuring residents the problem would be solved within six weeks.

Residents complained to The Argus that the new boiler had broken down several times since.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council, which owns the blocks containing 174 flats, said yesterday the new system had only broken down once and was fixed the same day.

But he added: "Some individual flats have had problems with air locks preventing heating in their own flat working since the installation.

"According to fault reports we've received, there have been nine tenants who have had heating problems since October 24. We're working through these as a matter of urgency.

"Generally the heating is working and has been for more than a week. We're urging anyone with problems to get in touch so we can get a complete picture of any problems."

The council has been sending out engineers to individual flats as and when faults occur.

Councillor Jeanne Lepper has submitted an official complaint accusing the council of gross misconduct and failing in its duty of care to elderly residents of the two blocks.