A Cardiff grandmother, Carol Edwards, revealed her distressing four-month ordeal of sleeping on her sofa due to a severe mould infestation in her council flat’s bedroom. Upon returning from a holiday last summer, she was shocked to find her wardrobe contents covered in mould, and the walls behind them adorned with black mould.
The issue apparently originated from a blocked gutter that caused water to run down the wall and seep into the flat. Ms. Edwards, who developed a cough while initially sleeping in the affected room, enlisted a friend to investigate, and upon moving the wardrobes, discovered an alarming amount of mould on the walls.
Despite her claims that the bedroom is uninhabitable due to extensive mould growth, Cardiff Council reportedly informed her that the rooms are habitable. The council allegedly attributed the problem to poor ventilation on her part and blamed her for the issue.
Ms. Edwards, estimating £2,800 worth of property damage, accused the council of negligence regarding the blocked gutter and slow response. Cardiff Council countered, stating they’ve added extra ventilation and are collaborating with Ms. Edwards on a long-term solution. However, Ms. Edwards contends that progress is too slow, and her health has suffered from the persistent mould exposure, causing stress and chest-related discomfort.
She further claimed that despite her complaints, the council has been slow to take definitive action. She sent a liability form seeking compensation, but the council denied liability, insisting the flat remains habitable.
The situation underscores broader concerns about living conditions in council homes, with mould exposure potentially posing health risks. The NHS highlights the respiratory and allergic dangers associated with mould exposure. Ms. Edwards, refusing to pay rent since October, has moved her belongings into the lounge, where she currently sleeps, emphasising the urgency for resolution and compensation for the property damage.