Hastings baby living in mouldy home hospitalised - family

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-68276276

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The family said the black mould was spreading

A grandmother claims her family was made to live in mouldy conditions that caused her seven-month-old grandson to be hospitalised with bronchitis.

Victoria Wilson, who lives with daughter Crystal Wilson and grandson Obie in Hastings, said leaks caused their home to become damp.

She said they spent a month in hotel accommodation but were made to move back before the problems were fixed.

Southern Housing said it took reports of mould "extremely seriously".

"Our team have continued to help Ms Wilson and her family while we resolve this issue," the housing provider said.

The health impacts of mouldy properties came under scrutiny after two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in 2020 following prolonged exposure to mould in his home in Rochdale.

A coroner concluded he died from a respiratory condition caused by exposure to mould in his home.

Doctors told the family that Obie's bronchitis could have been caused by the black mould throughout their home, the Wilson family said.

Crystal Wilson said the wall was still leaking badly

Obie's mother Crystal Wilson said: "The wall is still leaking really badly and the wall is still wet, and there's still mould upstairs in the bedroom on the window frames, which can spread."

Ms Wilson said while she was in temporary hotel accommodation, she visited the property to find black mould all over the lounge door.

The family said work had been carried out by Southern Housing before.

Victoria Wilson said: "I had severe mould last year, a year ago, which was treated with a mould wash and a painted solution over the top and it came back."

The mother and daughter believe the cause of the mould - the leak - was not actually fixed.

She claimed the damp had been caused by unauthorised alterations carried out by the previous tenants, not condensation, as stated by Southern Housing.

Victoria Wilson believed that it was only a matter of time before the mould returned, causing her family's health to suffer.

Victoria Wilson said repairs carried out last year did not work

In a statement, Southern Housing said: "We moved the family into temporary accommodation and have provided support, including meals and transport costs, while our contractor carried out a mould wash within the home.

"Our expert surveyor has completed a post-inspection of the work and confirmed it is safe to return there.

"Our contractors are completing work today to redecorate some of the areas affected by mould and water stains."

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