Two first-time mothers in Birmingham have described living in temporary accommodation plagued by rat and fly infestations, fly-tipped rubbish, and unsafe conditions, as the national housing crisis forces families into unsuitable housing. Both women, who are Band A priority, were initially placed in hotels on Edgbaston's Hagley Road before being moved to Paradise Court in West Bromwich by Birmingham City Council.
Health warnings for newborn
Siobhan Loughran, 21, her partner, 22, and their baby were moved to a studio flat at Paradise Court after claims their newborn became sick from mould and damp at their hotel. However, they said "this place is even worse" amid noise disturbances, mice, a fly infestation, and fly-tipping and rats outside.
The family's GP raised serious concerns, writing a letter warning of the "environmental health risk, particularly for a newborn." The doctor also urged the council to rehouse the family nearer to her mother in Kingstanding to "provide essential support for the baby."
In response, Birmingham City Council said it was "sorry" the family had this "difficult experience" and that they were in contact to provide support. Councillor Baber Baz, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said they were aware of fly-tipping incidents at the accommodation and that Sandwell Council had been passed information to help "identify those responsible." The situation is being closely monitored, with rubbish cleared from the site, he added.
Another family's struggle
In a flat above Ms Loughran, Mia Cane, 18, her partner, and their newborn are also struggling. They were moved from a hotel with a cockroach infestation—now under control—to the temporary property in St Michael's Street. They complained to the council about "dangerously steep" stairs and a front door often blocked by overflowing rubbish at Paradise Court.
Ms Cane told BirminghamLive: "At first we were in [a hotel] which was vile. They eventually moved us West Bromwich, so from one side of Birmingham to the other. It's still dangerous - the stairs are huge, there's no lift. We are on floor one but I have fears that one day either me or my partner are going to be more tired than usual and accidentally slip and fall down the stairs with the baby, or what if I'm wearing the baby in her wrap and I miss a step and fall? They are very steep stairs, it's just not safe."
She felt the stress was leading to panic attacks over her baby's health, adding to the hardships of post-partum. Since being in contact with BirminghamLive, the mum's needs have been assessed, and arrangements are being made to move the family elsewhere.
Council response and wider crisis
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: "Following an assessment of the household's needs, arrangements are being made to move Ms Cane and her baby to alternative accommodation, as the current property is not considered suitable due to the stairs leading to the apartment." They added: "The record number of households on the housing register, the lack of affordable homes, and a lack of funding have led to a national housing crisis that has left many families like Ms Cane's in a difficult situation living in temporary accommodation."
Councillor Baz echoed that sentiment, saying the national housing crisis has left many families in "difficult situations" like Ms Loughran's. The council continues to monitor the situation and clear rubbish from the site, while both families await rehousing.
