Mould in Ledbury flat is making us sick (From Hereford Times)

Mould in Ledbury flat is making us sick

10:00am Tuesday 17th February 2009 in News

A YOUNG Ledbury mother has criticised a housing association for refusing to move her from the mould-ridden rented flat she says is making her family ill.

Stacey Brown, aged 19, her partner David Sparks and their toddler Kylie Brown have taken to sleeping in the front room because mould in both bedrooms and in the bathroom smells so bad.

“It’s growing on our walls and in our window. It’s black, hairy mould – it’s horrible,” Stacey said.

Problems began a month after they moved to Biddulph Way last February and have mostly affected Stacey and Kylie, aged 16 months, who both suffer from asthma.

Owners Elgar Housing did send someone to treat the mould about four months ago but since then it has returned.

Stacey said: “It’s possible it is making Kylie’s chest bad and I’ve been waking up feeling sick in the morning and having bad headaches.”

Elgar spokesman Cathy Spence said necessary steps to treat it were being taken and an external company has also been called in for assessment.

"Condensation is present in every home and if not managed effectively is often mistaken for damp. It is vital that air can flow freely through the property in the winter months to avoid mould developing,”

she said.

Jamie Burns from Home Point, the housing agency that placed the family, said it also discussed the issue with Elgar but a social housing shortage meant more than 5,000 were on the waiting list for accommodation.

Stacey and David have now chosen to rejoin it.

“Their housing needs assessment is based upon their current application and the evidence available, and will be reviewed again after the submission of the report,” he said.