The daughter of a couple who have forked out £2,000 on candles to mask the smell of dampness in their mould-ridden home says she is seriously worried about their health.
Amy Robinson, 36, has revealed her parents were initially pleased when they found a one-bed, one-bath flat for a reasonable £440 a month in rent.
But within weeks of moving in, Bryan and Mandy Iveson, 62 and 55, told her cracks and signs of dampness had started to appear on the walls.
And within 18 months, their living room ceiling had collapsed.
The couple, who both have pre-existing health conditions, are still dealing with damp-related issues which have started to produce a “foul and fishy” smell.
And they have forked out a staggering £2,000 in total from their savings over the last three months on candles trying to mask the stench.
“I’m getting more and more worried that my mum will end up really poorly due to the conditions they are living in,” the stay-at-home mum, from Driffield, Yorkshire, told Need To Know.
“She’s got COPD and was taken to hospital last week due to inflammation in the tissue of her lungs.
“I’m extremely upset because there isn’t a lot I can do to help them.
“I’d love to buy them a new home, as this isn’t liveable, but I can’t afford that.
“I’m worried my dad will stop breathing at night as he needs a CPAP machine, but he can’t use it due to the risk of sucking in any mould.
“And if my mum ends up in hospital again, I don’t know what I’ll do.
“Her mental health is declining, too, because of the feeling of not living in a safe and clean home.”
Bryan and Mandy moved into the flat in November 2020.
But since their ceiling collapsed, which they claim wasn’t fixed for two weeks, they felt like they were living in a “tip”.
A leak has now “ruined” a wardrobe, a chest of drawers and a brand-new bag.
And nothing appears to be being done about it.
Amy claims her parents have contacted their housing management team, Wakefield and District Housing, on multiple occasions and while people have attended, no action has been taken.
They have contacted their local council to try and be rehomed, but have been allegedly told they are “not a priority” since they already have a property.
For now, they’re trying to deal with the issues themselves.
Amy added: “They clean it with mould remover daily, but because of the leak, this excess moisture has soaked into the plaster wall, skirting boards and wood underneath.
“So the smell is still there and they’re trying to mask it, but they struggle to make ends meet enough as it is without this added expense.
“They’re also venting the flat, constantly cleaning up and are now spending days at mine as they can’t stand it anymore.
“It’s not been handled well at all and my parents are vulnerable – their wellbeing and health isn’t being taken into account at all.
“What needs to happen for someone to listen?”
Jam Press has contacted Bellway, Wakefield District Housing and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council for comment.
East Riding of Yorkshire council said it was unable to provide comment, stating data protection.
A spokesperson for Bellway said: “This matter is not one that Bellway is able to comment on as although we constructed the property originally, the ongoing maintenance and management is the responsibility of Wakefield District Housing, who are the owners of the property.
“Our Customer Care colleagues at our Yorkshire Division, who constructed the development at Driffield, have made contact with Wakefield District Housing to see if there are any issues relating to construction that need addressing.”
Sarah Roxby, executive director of housing at Wakefield and District Housing, said: “Keeping our customers safe, comfortable and happy in their homes is our priority.
“We were made aware that Mr and Mrs Iveson had found moisture in their home in mid-August and, after a survey visit, identified it had been caused by a leak from their bath. This leak has now been repaired.
“We are working with Mr and Mrs Iveson to make sure the affected area is dried and to ensure there are no other issues that may cause further leaks.”
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