A disabled man says the mould in his house is so bad it is leaving him struggling to breathe. Jason King, 50, claims that his attempts to get the long-running issues rectified at his flat in Cheshire have fallen on deaf ears and he is 'getting desperate'.
Jason also says that he has to shower at his local leisure centre because the water pressure in his wet room is 'pathetic'. The former mobile mechanic for Asda, who can no longer work and is now disabled due to a serious back injury he sustained following a crash, has been living in the Chester property owned by social housing provider Sanctuary for just over two years.
He claims that he had noticed water dripping down his bedroom wall for a while before discovering 'mould and damp' behind his wardrobe and cupboards in December. Mr King says 'green mould' had 'eaten chunks' of his furniture, which he had in place since February last year.
Cheshire West and Chester Council said it found no evidence of damp when it inspected the property in January, adding that "mould is being caused by condensation". However, Mr King is adamant that is not the case.
He told CheshireLive: "I have mould and damp in my bedroom so I reported it and made a formal complaint. But now Sanctuary have said it's my fault for not opening my windows and keeping the heating on. The wellbeing team at my GP instructed the council to inspect.
"The council inspector dismissed the green mould on my furniture, quilt and carpets. He also dismissed the huge white patch of mould on the internal fixed floor mat and again said it was my fault.
"So I'm now back in the damp, mouldy room - my family had moved my bed into the living room. I'm struggling to wash and since moving back in my bedroom, struggling to breathe again. My wardrobe and drawers have collapsed from the mould. I've lost my quilt as well. Where do I go from here?"
Jason's issues are not just consigned to his bedroom. He claims the pressure of his shower is 'pathetic' and, as a result, he has been forced to get a taxi to the Northgate Arena for several months in order to get a shower.
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"My specially-adapted disabled wet room has a pathetic low-pressure shower," he explained. "I have to use pans of water. It's the only way to get the soap off me. It's degrading.
"Once a week I go to the Northgate Arena to use the shower. I have to use my PIP (Personal Independence Payment) to pay for a taxi to go to the Northgate. Why should I have to do that?"
Jason used to get a bus to the leisure centre three times a week to go swimming but the service he used was axed. However, in order to exercise he needs to have a hot shower for a lengthy period in the morning to warm up his back muscles, which he says is impossible to do with his current bathroom.
"I'm stuck in the house all day every day," said Jason. "I'm in pain with the lower part of my back which effects everything I do. Hot water warms the muscles and keeps the pain at bay but I don't get that luxury.
"I need to thrive but I'm just about surviving. I'd just like to get a hot shower and go for a walk. I'm like a prisoner."
A Cheshire West and Chester Council spokesperson said: "The council is concerned to hear about the situation and treats any concerns of damp and mould in homes very seriously. The council conducted an inspection on Mr King’s home in January, and found no evidence of damp, and that mould is being caused by condensation.
"The council offered advice and information on how to help prevent mould and condensation, government support for assistance with the cost of living, and Citizens Advice Bureau support for legal advice regarding any possessions damaged by mould.
"We have contacted Sanctuary Housing, who have advised us that Mr King’s concerns are being dealt with through their complaints process and that they are arranging dates to carry out work to replace Mr King’s shower and additional work in his bathroom. We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that improvements to Mr King’s home are made."
A spokesperson for Sanctuary said: "We take all reports of mould and damp extremely seriously and to support Mr King, earlier this year work was completed to improve ventilation in his home. While no damp was identified in this property following an inspection by the local authority in late January, we will continue to offer Mr King advice and assistance regarding his concerns.
"We can also confirm that following receipt of an occupational therapist’s report, plans are being made to install an alternative shower and carry out additional work in Mr King’s bathroom.”
