Mouldy flat is putting my unborn baby at risk
AMUM-TO-BE fears for her unborn baby’s health because of black mould growing inside her flat.
Holly Plunkett, 18, moved into the housing association flat in Runcorn in February and has been plagued with problems.
She said that the mould has given her breathing problems and she feared for the health of her baby, which is due in December.
The teenager has had to throw away bedding and furniture that became covered in mould.
She said: “It’s been really stressful trying to clean the flat.
“It really upsets me because you can smell the mould, particularly in the bedroom.
“I’ve asked to be moved. I’m worried about my unborn baby’s health and wellbeing.”
Holly said that she asked Riverside, the housing association that owns the flat, to be moved but was turned down because she is tied into a 12-month contract.
But Riverside said that she had been signed up to a website that allows her to search for a new home.
The organisation also said that there is no evidence of damp in the flat and that the problems were caused by condensation.
Holly said: “I don’t feel safe at the flat. I stay at my mum’s a few times a week.
“It’s quite depressing sitting in the flat and thinking ‘I have to bring up a baby here’.
“It makes me feel like I have failed as a mum before the baby is even born.
“I’ve had breathing and a chest problems because of the mould, which I’ve never had before.”
A letter signed by Holly’s GP says: “I believe it would be beneficial to Ms Plunkett’s health for her to be moved to another property.”
Chris Frazer, neighbourhood housing manager at Riverside, said: “The issue is condensation due to a lack of ventilation and other lifestyle choices.
“We’ve advised Miss Plunkett of some simple steps to reduce the condensation in the bedroom.
“These measures should reduce the problem and avoid any mould growth.
“We have also advised Miss Plunkett to apply to Property Pool Plus, the website for people looking for affordable housing to rent in the area, if she wants to move.
“I understand that she has signed up and has started the process of finding another home.”