A DISTRESSED Droitwich mother desperate to be re-housed because of mould in her home – is now one step closer to moving after help from the Standard.
Lara Jay Smith who lives in a flat managed by Fortis Living, contacted the Standard because she said the mould had become ‘hazardous’ to the health of her four-month-old baby girl and five-year-old daughter, who she has taken to accident and emergency to be treated.
She said: “They’re both constantly coughing and sneezing and they’ve got runny noses, finding it hard to breathe.”
The 24-year old said she has followed all instructions given by Fortis to get rid of the mould but nothing has worked.
Lara said they first noticed the mould six months ago: “We were away for a week and when we came home, there was a really bad smell in the house.”
She said there is new mould growing across the flat and she has just recently discovered a fresh growth at the back of her daughter’s wardrobe.”
Lara said Fortis have told her the mould is caused by condensation not damp and have attempted to treat the condition but without success.
A spokesperson at Fortis told the Standard: “We have advised the tenant on ventilation and how to reduce condensation and mould build up in her home.
“We have also agreed to carry out further prevention treatment to alleviate the mould growth in her kitchen area.
“I’m not sure if Miss Smith has been in touch with her housing officer with regards to moving home.
“She has spoken to customer services and they have obviously reported the mould/damp to our maintenance teams who have been out and have arranged to do some more work later this month.
“I also understand that Miss Smith has agreed to having some data loggers installed in her home which will monitor the issue.
“We have a process for moving people which applies to all tenants who wish to move – unfortunately we don’t have ‘spare’ homes into which we can move people immediately and we do have processes which we have to adhere by, as do other housing associations.”
When Lara first called the Standard she said: “I’m at my wits’ end and just want to be re-housed.”
A Bromsgrove District Housing Trust spokesperson explained the procedure and said Lara could fill an online registration form at www.homechoiceplus.org.uk before making an appointment for a Housing Options interview.
After speaking to the Standard, Lara is now taking all the necessary steps to find a new mould-free home.
