A young family in West Bromwich has raised serious concerns about their temporary accommodation, which they describe as 'mouse-infested' and plagued by flies, noise, and rats. Siobhan Loughran, 21, her partner, and their baby were moved to Paradise Court after their newborn became ill from mould and damp at their first temporary housing. However, they claim the new flat is 'even worse', with persistent infestations and disturbances.
GP's urgent plea for rehousing
At the start of July, Loughran's GP issued an urgent letter to Birmingham City Council, expressing serious concerns about the living conditions. The letter highlighted a persistent mice infestation that posed an 'environmental health risk, particularly for a newborn', and noise from a large external gate that repeatedly woke the baby at night. The GP noted that the mother had required repeated ambulance contacts due to fears about her baby's safety and was struggling with deteriorating mental wellbeing.
Loughran described the situation: 'We have got a fly infestation, we can't even make her milk bottle without a fly landing on it. We have about 20/30 flies. It's disgusting. We have got no windows in the bedroom, there's no air. There's one window at the front of the property, that's it.' The baby is also woken at 3am by other residents coming and going.
Impact on family's health
The family, now in Band A for housing priority, says the conditions are taking a toll. Loughran, who suffers from panic attacks, said: 'I'm calling the ambulances because I'm having panic attacks over her health.' She also claims to have seen rats outside, with one running over her partner's foot. The bins have not been emptied since they arrived, and fly-tipping is attracting vermin.
Loughran's health visitor has also written to the council, stating the accommodation is unsuitable for the baby's development and health. The couple have considered private renting but say prices starting at £1,200 a month are out of reach.
Council response
Councillor Baber Baz, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, acknowledged the family's difficult experience and said the council is in contact to provide support. He stated: '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.'
Regarding the fly-tipping, he said: '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.'
National housing crisis
Councillor Baz attributed the situation to the national housing crisis, noting the record number of households on the housing register, lack of affordable homes, and funding shortages. He said: '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 Loughran's in a difficult situation living in temporary accommodation.'
