Family’s damp home slammed as ‘shameful’
Councillor calls for action to move mum and kids
Damp and mouldy conditions being suffered by a young family in their home have been branded “simply not acceptable.”
Emma Kerr has three kids and is pregnant with her fourth.
She claims the conditions in the house in Renfrew’s Haining Road are making her children ill, saying: “I cannot believe the council cannot help.
“I am in a desperate situation.” Now the town’s Tory Councillor Jane Strang is pressuring Renfrewshire Council for action after planned improvement in Renfrew housing was “paused”.
The house has “major” damp and mould issues, has roof slates missing and a kitchen wall needs to come down.
Councillor Strang is demanding council officials sort out better living arrangements for Emma.
She said: “Renfrewshire Council officials have not been pro-active enough in dealing with Emma’s case and need to act urgently when houses fall into this state of disrepair.
“I was absolutely appalled to hear of Emma’s plight.
“Her housing arrangements are simply not acceptable for someone with three kids and another on the way.
“Too many children and families across Renfrewshire are having to live in deprivation and with poor housing conditions and it is time we saw a bold strategy from the council as to how these problems will be addressed.
“With each passing day, Emma’s issues are only growing and there has been a real lack of urgency from officials.
“The pandemic has only exacerbated housing problems and we must put good quality housing at the heart of our plans to rebuild communities.
“This is one of the most shameful cases I have taken up as a councillor. The problems with Emma’s property are endless and ever growing.
“However, it appears as though the council want more time to investigate. Emma and her children don’t have that time and their health is continuing to be majorly affected.”
Renfrewshire Council is currently undertaking a consultation with residents and owners on a housing- led regeneration and renewal programme that will look at the quality of council housing.
A spokeswoman said: “We are aware of issues at this address and can advise that our officers carried out an inspection of the property and issued various repairs which are now complete.
“Our staff are continuing to provide advice and support to Miss Kerr regarding alternative housing options.”