A father from the Midlands has issued a stark warning that he will pursue legal action against his local council if the deteriorating condition of his family home results in injury to his children. Luke Towle, aged 37, and his wife Kerry, 39, are raising the alarm over what they describe as a crumbling property that poses a direct threat to their two young daughters, aged three and eight.
Structural Deterioration and Damp Issues
Luke Towle has highlighted significant structural problems at their council-owned home in Inham Road, Chilwell, Nottinghamshire. He claims that persistent damp has caused the soffit—the material between their front door and a neighbouring balcony—to disintegrate. This moisture infiltration is not only damaging the building's exterior but has also led to the emergence of mould in his eldest daughter's bedroom.
"When we get up in the morning we have to tell our two daughters to wait near our gate before closing the door," Luke explained. "All of the concrete above the door is loose; if the door got slammed I reckon it would all fall out. I have to tell them 'don't stand there, you need to wait for us down near the gate'. It doesn't look safe and I've had visions about what could happen."
Council Response and Repair Delays
The family reports that they were informed work would commence to address a large crack above the front door, but communication from Broxtowe Borough Council has since stalled for over a week. Luke alleges that the council has neglected this issue, which has also resulted in damage to the guttering and balcony. Notably, the upstairs neighbour has reportedly been flagging similar concerns for several years.
Luke recounted a recent inspection: "Some guys came out last Thursday to repair the soffit, but after I took a photo for them the work stopped and they told me there was nothing they could do about it. The worker told me it was a 'structural engineer job' but said 'don't panic, we reckon it's got a few more years in it'. I don't think it has."
History of Problems and Financial Impact
This is not the first time the Towle family has faced significant issues in their council home. Having resided there for four years, they previously criticised the council after sewage seeped into the property in 2023. That incident necessitated the removal and replacement of carpets, along with wall treatments, costing the family approximately £750. Sentimental items, including photos and books, were ruined by three separate sewage leaks within a single month.
The current damp problem is exacerbating the situation indoors. "The corner of my daughter's bed the wallpaper has now got mould coming through - it doesn't look pleasant," Luke added. Reflecting on their tenure in social housing, he stated, "It's been very eventful."
Council Statement
A spokesperson for Broxtowe Borough Council declined to provide detailed public commentary but confirmed awareness of the case. They stated: "The council is aware of this case and has visited the property to fully assess the situation and agree a plan of action. We cannot comment further on the specific details of individual cases in the media."
The situation underscores ongoing concerns about the maintenance and safety standards within the social housing sector, with tenants like the Towle family calling for more urgent and effective responses from local authorities to prevent potential harm.
