A mum-of-four is fearing for her baby's health after living in a 'stinky mouldy' home for years.
Laura Bowers says that her baby ended up with breathing difficulties despite sending complaints to Epic Housing about the growing mould for more than two years. Despite baby Samson finding himself in hospital earlier this year, nothing has yet been done to treat the mould.
However, Epic Housing has confirmed that it's aware of the issue. Laura moved into the property in Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent, in July 2020, StokeonTrent Live reports.
Read more: All mould and damp repairs in council housing reviewed after Awaab Ishak death
Laura noted how the recent death of toddler Awaab Ishak in Rochdale has affected her since it was related to mould in his family's home. Laura said: “It’s the rising mould. It’s not like the condensation, it's going up the wall, it’s black mould. It’s all in the kitchen, all in the cupboards, and behind the washing machine is covered in black mould. It all stinks.
"They put mould treatment on and it has not fixed it. The mould has just got worse growing all up the walls and it has gone onto my sofa.
"They’ve done it four or five times and it is still not working. They put vents in a few weeks back. They say there’s nothing else we can do.”
Laura took it upon herself to redecorate the property when she moved in, however, the mould caused damage to her furniture and floors. She added: “The flooring is terrible. It’s all bubbling underneath. It’s rotten up one side, it’s going round the room - you can feel it underneath. I broke down the other week.
"I’ve got a sideboard unit which I pulled away to put my Christmas tree up and it was covered at the back. My sofa is covered in mould. When I get rid, where are my family going to sit?
My son was in hospital with respiratory issues. He’s got a rare blood condition so we have to be extra-careful with him. He had to have two transfusions when he was born. It's something to do with his red blood cells. They’re doing blood checks to try to find out what is going on.
“He’s been struggling with his breathing. It’s an upper respiratory problem on his chest. He’s so young. A doctor has said he’s got another upper respiratory infection and that it is due to the damp and the mould spores in the property.
“When you hear stories like the one about the little boy who died it is really scary. I'm always anxious and frustrated, it makes me feel guilty for the kids. It is disgusting.”
An Epic Housing spokesman said: "We are aware of the issues being experienced by the tenant and have previously put in place solutions to rectify. We are in regular contact with the tenant and will be continuing to work and support them in resolving any outstanding issues."
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