Nottinghamshire Couple Reports Extensive Mould and Damp in Housing Association Flat

“We moved here for an easier life, but now I spend my evenings hoovering up mould,” stated Robert Whiteley, whose nightly cleaning regimen commenced four months prior. This routine began after damp and mould emerged in the one-bedroom housing association flat in Nottinghamshire that he occupies with his wife, Alison. The couple attributes the development of the damp and mould to an untreated leak originating from an upstairs flat. Platform Group, the housing association responsible, has indicated that it is collaborating with Mr. and Mrs. Whiteley to address the problem. Mr. Whiteley relocated to the West Bridgford flat three years ago, a decision prompted by the deterioration of his long-term disability. In July, the couple initially observed a patch of dampness in their living room, which they believe was caused by a leak situated above their residence. They subsequently contacted the housing association. While a plumber inspected the issue that same month, the dampness and mould have “spiralled” since then, according to the couple. Furthermore, the leak has affected all the pull chords within the property. These devices are designed to activate an alarm, notifying emergency services that residents require assistance. Mr. Whiteley reported that the pull chord in the living room started activating at random times, leading to all the chords being deactivated. This situation leaves him feeling “helpless” should an emergency arise. The 63-year-old suffers from osteoarthritis, a degenerative bone condition impacting his ankles. Mr. Whiteley stated, “I struggle to walk, I use crutches and I can’t use the stairs,” adding, “My ankles are crumbling away.” He expressed concern regarding the broken pull chord system, asking, “As the [pull chord] system is broken, if I were to have a fall and my wife was not in, what would I do?” and “How long would I be lying on the floor for?” The couple conveyed their sentiment, stating, “We feel neglected by them. They keep telling us they’ll sort out the issues but nothing’s happened.” Mrs. Whiteley articulated profound worry concerning the timeline for resolving these problems. She remarked, “You just don’t feel like you can relax in your own home. I am supposed to feel safe and secure here…but I don’t anymore.” Mrs. Whiteley also described their living conditions, saying, “We wake up to mould spores all over our desk and on the floor.” She noted a personal health impact, stating, “I feel the difference in my chest when I spend lots of time at home and then go to work.” Expressing her frustration, she added, “Even if they begin to fix it now – how long will it take? I can’t bear the thought of spending Christmas like this.” The Whiteleys indicated that if repairs to address the issue do not commence within the coming weeks, they will be compelled to contemplate relocating. Mr. Whiteley further commented, “If we are forced to move into private rented accommodation, it may not be adapted to my needs.” He also expressed their reluctance to leave, stating, “We don’t want to leave this community; we love the people we’ve met here.” Martin Woods, who serves as the head of external contracts at Platform Housing Group, issued a statement: “We are sorry to hear of our customer’s concerns. We have been in touch with him directly and are working with him to solve the issue.”