A property company is liaising with Waveney's MP over claims of poor quality work carried out during a government-backed scheme.

It follows the raising of a parliamentary petition by Peter Aldous, who called for 65 residents in Lowestoft's Harbour Ward to be compensated after their houses were hit by severe mould and rainwater.

The homeowners, chosen in 2012 for the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), were set to benefit from insulation works, new central heating systems and boiler replacements – making homes warmer and reducing energy bills.

Installation was overseen by Mitie Property Services, whose partners included Bright Green, Waveney District Council (WDC) and Climate Energy Limited.

But properties have since been plagued by mould, faulty cladding and rainwater pouring inside.

Despite acknowledging it has previously had to rectify work at two houses, Mitie said no other homeowners had complained.

A spokesman said: 'Following completion of the programme, we were made aware of remedial work required in relation to two properties which was duly carried out. We have not received complaints from any other residents.

'We only became aware of the concerns raised by Mr Aldous very recently and are contacting him to find out more about his concerns.'

The CESP required energy companies to deliver efficiency improvements on a community scale and was predicted to improve the area aesthetically.

Instead, the work has caused considerable distress for homeowners and has had an adverse impact on the marketability of the properties.

Phil Smith, who is one those affected, said last week residents had been 'abandoned' and left with no option but to contact Mr Aldous.

As he raised his petition, the MP said: 'It is not right that work part of a government-backed scheme has been carried out in such a sub-standard way and had such a negative impact on residents.

'It is important the necessary remedial work is carried out as quickly as possible.'

Responding to enquiries about WDC's involvement, leader Mark Bee said: 'WDC did not procure the work and had no direct involvement other than to confirm it had been consulted by the CESP.

'It should be borne in mind there are many properties where residents are happy with their installation and experienced no problems.

'The council has carried out an investigation and will continue to provide reasonable support.'