HEARTACHE FOR MUM NICOLE I’m trying to make a home for my boys... but this damp flat is just making them ill
A desperate mum battling to have damp fixed in her flat for nearly two years is now fearing for her children’s health.
Gallowhill tenant Nicole Talloch claims she and her seven-year-old twin boys Ethan and Matthew are suffering respiratory problems because the ground- floor flat in Schaw Road is “riddled” with damp.
The 28-year-old says she has been sleeping on a mattress in her living room for the past week because the water ingress in her bedroom is now so bad.
She believes the dire living conditions are making the family ill with all three of them suffering frequent colds and chest infections.
Ethan’s ill health is also adding to her worries.
The Riverbrae pupil is a non-verbal epileptic who relies on a wheelchair and gets additional support at home.
It is understood Renfrewshire Council told her the water ingress was due to condensation and offered advice on ventilation.
But despite numerous attempts to resolve the problem, which has spread to her living room, two bedrooms, hall and bathroom, she is no further forward.
Nicole told the Express she is now at breaking point with the stress of dealing with the local authority triggering her anxiety and depression.
Nicole said: “I don’t know where to turn next.
“The damp is crawling up the walls, my window ledges are even falling off.
“I have to sleep in the front room and had to take my two boys out of one of the bedrooms because of the damp.
“I need to keep everything away from the walls and windows and the flat is always freezing – even with the heating on.
“I’ve lost count of the number of times an inspector has been sent out to look at it. They just say it’s condensation and tell me to open my windows.
“I have anxiety and depression, and it’s getting me down.”
She added: “I’ve been to my local politician who said he would contact the council on my behalf and give them 10 days to get back.
“I’ve had no further update.
“I’m trying to do everything I can to make a home for me and my boys and no one is helping me.
“I shouldn’t have to live in these conditions with two young kids.”
Renfrewshire Council told the Express an inspection of the property is scheduled for tomorrow.
A spokesman said: “We have previously worked with the tenant to address issues of dampness at the property, most recently undertaking repairs in June 2019. We will continue to work with them to resolve any further issues.”
I need to keep everything away from the walls and the windows and the flat is freezing, even with the heating on