Joanne Smith, a 55-year-old grandmother with asthma and COPD, moved into a two-bedroom semi-detached property owned by Gateshead Council in December. She had hoped for a fresh start after undergoing chemotherapy, but her new home was plagued by black mould and damp. Joanne experienced severe health issues, including constant chest infections, after moving in. She believes the mould is causing her health problems and has been on multiple medications since then. Despite multiple complaints to Gateshead Council, the issue was not addressed effectively, with the council only masking the problem by putting wallpaper over the mould.
The council carried out an inspection in December and promised to fix the issues, but Joanne discovered that the wallpaper was peeling off due to the dampness in the walls. She continued to struggle with health issues and had to spend Boxing Day and New Year’s Day in the hospital due to severe chest infections. Joanne also had to pay for repairs to damaged doors and skirting boards, further adding to her troubles. The situation worsened when she found rubbish in the garden, a leak in the roof, and more signs of mould and dampness in the house.
Despite Joanne’s repeated complaints, she felt ignored by the council, describing her interactions as futile. After another complaint in February, she was awaiting council inspection to address the ongoing issues. The issue of black mould and dampness has taken a toll on Joanne’s health and quality of life, turning her hopes of a fresh start into a nightmare. She is exasperated with the lack of response from Gateshead Council and feels like she is not being heard or helped in her distressing situation.
At the core of Joanne’s plight is the inadequate living conditions in her council-owned property, highlighting the struggles faced by many residents living in social housing. The presence of black mould, dampness, and neglected repairs not only create physical health risks but also impact emotional well-being. Joanne’s experience sheds light on the importance of proper maintenance and inspection of council properties to ensure the health and safety of residents. It also underscores the need for timely and effective responses to residents’ complaints to address issues promptly and prevent further distress.
