A young family from Solihull was left without appropriate accommodation after being forced to leave their home due to serious mould, according to their account, with Solihull Council acknowledging the distress caused. Reece Johnson, 25, his disabled partner Poppy, 23, and their three-year-old daughter were evacuated from their property on July 10 after a leak led to widespread mould that weakened the ceiling in the child's bedroom.
Family's Ordeal: From Emergency Decant to Hotel Hopping
Reece, who is Poppy's full-time carer, described the mould as so severe that when he touched the ceiling, his hand went through, releasing black mould from the woodwork. The mould was present in the hallway, lounge, bedroom, and bathroom. The family was initially placed in emergency hotel accommodation from July 11 to 13, but Reece claims these hotels were not accessible for Poppy, who uses a wheelchair and crutch due to multiple health conditions.
Poppy's conditions include Neurogenic Bladder, Functional Neurological Disorder, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia. After the first hotel, the family was left with nowhere to go on July 13 and given another non-accessible accommodation. A council inspection on July 14 confirmed 'serious mould' and plans for a re-inspection, Reece told BirminghamLive.
Third Hotel: Unacceptable Conditions
The family was then moved to another hotel on July 14, which Reece described as 'absolutely horrific'. They were instructed to use the back door instead of the main entrance, with only patio doors that were not wheelchair accessible. The room was full of flies, smelled terrible, and had no accessible bathroom. They checked out within five minutes.
Subsequently, they were offered a flat, but it had a step unsuitable for Poppy, only one bed, and a normal sofa (not a sofa bed) for their daughter. The flat also had mould, ash, and holes in the ceiling. A day later, another property was deemed non-accessible, and Reece refused it. Taking matters into his own hands, he secured private accommodation where the family remains as of July 22, having heard nothing from the council.
Council Response: Apology and Commitment to Remedial Works
A Solihull Community Housing spokesperson said: 'We are sorry that this family has experienced damp and mould in their home and understand the distress and inconvenience this has caused. We take all reports of damp and mould seriously and have been in regular contact with the family since the issue was brought to our attention.'
The spokesperson explained that during periods of high demand, emergency temporary accommodation may not always be suitable or within the borough, but they remain committed to resolving the damp and mould issue as quickly as possible. They have arranged access to the property for remedial works and aim to support the family's return home.
Reece said the ordeal has broken him emotionally, making him feel like he is failing as a father, carer, and partner. 'It's taken a massive toll on me to the point where I don't want to speak to many people about it, because I do get quite emotional with it. I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle,' he added.
