A homeless family with an eight-month-old baby is set to be relocated from temporary housing in West Bromwich after raising concerns about dangerously steep stairs and other hazards. Birmingham City Council has acknowledged that the property at Paradise Court is not suitable for the family due to the stairs leading to their first-floor apartment.
Family's ordeal in temporary accommodation
Mia Cane, 18, her partner, and their baby were placed in emergency accommodation through Birmingham City Council on April 29. Initially, they were housed in a hotel that was infested with cockroaches, prompting complaints. They were then moved to a flat in Paradise Court, West Bromwich, but the new accommodation presented its own set of problems.
The family reported that the stairs to their apartment were extremely steep and posed a serious safety risk, especially with a young child. Additionally, the front door was blocked by piles of fly-tipped rubbish, and the property had issues with mould and a persistent fly infestation.
Council response and assessment
After BirminghamLive contacted Birmingham City Council, an assessment was conducted, which concluded that the property was "not considered suitable due to the stairs." The council is now making arrangements to move the family to alternative accommodation.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: "We recognise that Ms Cane's experience living in temporary accommodation has been difficult, and we are in contact to provide support to her family. We are committed to ensuring households placed in temporary accommodation are housed in safe and suitable accommodation. Where concerns are raised, we work with accommodation providers and partner agencies to investigate issues and take appropriate action as quickly as possible."
The spokesperson added: "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."
Fly-tipping and other issues
The council also addressed the fly-tipping issue at Paradise Court. "We are aware of incidents of fly-tipping at Paradise Court. These issues have been reported to Sandwell Council along with information to help identify those responsible. Rubbish has been cleared from the site, and the situation continues to be closely monitored," the spokesperson said.
The council attributed the broader problem to the national housing crisis, stating: "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."
Mother's fears for safety
Speaking before the council's update, Ms Cane expressed her fears: "It's 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."
The family, who are in Band A - the highest priority for housing - had struggled with the bidding system. They also complained about the lack of a proper front door, with only a fire exit door, and the presence of mould that had been covered up.
Ms Cane added: "There isn't an actual front door, it's a fire exit door which is actually stupid. There's mould in my bathroom that's been covered up. We're continuously dealing with a fly infestation due to the bins outside the building. It's always like that. Every few days it will get cleaned and then it's back in the same state the same day."
