Grandmother Forced to Sleep on Camp Bed as Mould Plagues Council Home for Decade
A grandmother has been compelled to sleep on a camp bed in her living room after battling persistent mould in her council bungalow for nearly ten years, raising serious concerns about housing conditions and health risks.
Years of Damp and Neglect
Mary Byrne, a 65-year-old resident of Sandford Hill in Stoke-on-Trent, reported that mould has been growing on the walls and beneath the carpets of her property since she moved in almost a decade ago. The situation has deteriorated to the point where she now sleeps in the lounge to avoid the worst-affected bedroom, describing the conditions as "horrendous" and unfit for human habitation.
Despite paying rent and council tax, Mary feels neglected by the local authorities. She stated, "I’m paying for this property that isn’t fit to live in. But I don’t have anywhere to go." She has called for temporary housing or alternative accommodation if the issue cannot be resolved promptly.
Failed Repair Attempts and Health Concerns
Over the past three months alone, Mary has scheduled 26 repair appointments with the council, yet significant action only occurred after a repair worker visited on January 20. The worker was reportedly "horrific" upon discovering the extent of the mould under the carpet and attempted to escalate the matter by contacting multiple officials and documenting the problem.
Mary's health has suffered due to the mould exposure, with her doctor warning that she could develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) if the situation worsens. She has experienced chest issues for weeks, attributing them directly to the damp environment. "I haven’t been well for weeks because of a bad chest," she explained, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Council Response and Ongoing Struggles
Stoke-on-Trent City Council acknowledged the issues, stating, "We are aware of the problems the customer has raised. We have arranged for staff from our repairs and maintenance team to attend the property in an attempt to resolve the issue." They emphasized their commitment to providing safe and decent homes for all tenants.
However, Mary remains skeptical, noting that previous repairs only offered temporary relief before the mould returned. She received £1,600 in compensation two years ago but stressed that financial redress was never her primary goal. "It was about getting the problem fixed," she insisted, expressing frustration over the lack of lasting solutions.
Community Support and Calls for Action
Friends and family have expressed deep concern for Mary's well-being, with some remarking they would not allow their pets to sleep in such conditions. Her daughter is particularly worried, adding pressure for immediate action. Mary urged the council to listen not only to tenants but also to their own repair workers, who have witnessed the severity firsthand.
As the mould continues to spread into hallways and other rooms, the case underscores broader issues in council housing maintenance and tenant welfare. Mary concluded, "They can’t leave me like this indefinitely. Something needs to be done."
