Rae Boxley, a 52-year-old woman from Stourbridge, claims to have been living in a mould-ridden property that has left her with breathing problems and other health issues. She has been forced to sleep upright on an armchair in her living room due to the condition of her home, which she estimates has caused £10,000 worth of damage to her belongings. The property has ‘black slime’ on most of the furniture and attracts slugs, making it uninhabitable. Even her garden has been affected by burrowing badgers, which have left the ground hollow and uneven, posing a safety hazard. However, Dudley Council, which she claims has done nothing to solve the issue, says its options are limited as badgers are protected by law.
Rae has been living in these conditions for the past 12 years and has faced severe physical and mental health consequences as a result. She suffers from spinal myelopathy, leaving her at risk of fatal injury from even a gentle fall. The mould covering her walls, ceilings, and bedroom has led her to store her clothes in carrier bags instead of drawers, as the spores ruin them. She describes the unbearable living conditions in her home, with everything being wet, carpets ruined, and furniture covered in mould spores. She has had to throw away expensive clothes and quilts and sleep sitting up as her bed is too wet. Rae has had to re-plaster and re-wallpaper her walls multiple times, but the council has not addressed the root cause of the issues.
The problems extend to her garden, where badgers have caused the ground to collapse, making it dangerous to go outside. The negligence of both the council and the badgers has left Rae feeling like a prisoner in her own home, as she cannot enjoy her garden or even open a window for fresh air. Her anxiety and mental health have severely deteriorated over the years, and she feels isolated and desperate for a way out of this situation. She has considered starting a GoFundMe to raise money for the extensive repairs needed in her home, but the cost is estimated to be around £10,000, making it an overwhelming challenge for her.
Despite the council claiming to have investigated the situation, they have not taken any significant action to address the issues in Rae’s home. As a result, she has been forced to endure living conditions that have led to physical illness, mental distress, and social isolation. The lack of proper response from authorities has left Rae feeling abandoned and helpless, struggling to find a way out of her living nightmare. The urgent need for solutions to improve the living conditions of vulnerable individuals like Rae is highlighted in this case, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by those living in substandard housing conditions.
Rae’s story reveals the urgent need for better housing conditions and support for individuals facing similar challenges. It highlights the importance of addressing issues such as mould infestations, badger burrowing, and structural damage that can have devastating effects on people’s health and well-being. The emotional and physical toll of living in such conditions for an extended period is evident in Rae’s account, emphasizing the need for prompt and effective interventions to prevent further harm. The case underscores the critical role of local authorities and community support in ensuring that vulnerable individuals like Rae have access to safe and healthy living environments to protect their overall well-being and quality of life.
