Social Housing Provider Apologizes to Family Over Unresolved Mould Issues

A social housing provider has issued an apology to a family of five who reported “living in a house full of mould,” following protracted delays in resolving the issue. Charlotte and Carl Cooper, residents of Cross Heath, Staffordshire, stated that their kitchen is currently the sole area in their residence unaffected by mould. The couple indicated they have resided in the property for approximately three years, and Mrs. Cooper, who suffers from asthma, has experienced exacerbated breathing difficulties attributed to the mould. Aspire Housing conducted an initial mould wash at the residence in November, committing to return to completely address the problem. Mrs. Cooper, 36, commented, “It has landed me in hospital a few times because I can’t breathe. They’ve had to give me new respiratory tests and new inhalers.” She also noted that her children’s bedroom was similarly affected, and her son also has asthma. She further stated, “I think the only thing that they’ve helped us to do is they put us a new kitchen in. I’m not asking for a new kitchen, I’m asking to make the house liveable.” “Don’t get me wrong, the kitchen is nice but I think that’s the only room in this house where mould isn’t growing,” she added. The Coopers pay a monthly rent of £440 for their two-bedroom property on Hassam Avenue, and they reported that the mould has already caused damage to their wardrobes and clothing. Mrs. Cooper expressed, “It’s just bringing me down every day because I have to wake up to a house that is full of mould.” Aspire Housing confirmed that reports of damp and mould at the property were received in April, with a home survey conducted two days subsequent to the report. They attributed the failure to complete repairs to an internal error. Malcolm Senior, the service delivery manager, stated, “We are sorry for the inconvenience and trouble this delay has caused.” He further commented, “We are arranging to complete the repair works detected in the coming weeks and we will continue to support [the family] until these issues are fully resolved.” The social housing provider also mentioned that it had recently undertaken a review of its procedures concerning damp, mould, and condensation. This report was compiled by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers local councils and other public service organizations. Information regarding BBC Stoke & Staffordshire is available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Details regarding their approach to external linking are available.