Man claims mouldy flat is 'killing' him
Barry was previously moved into emergency accommodation due to problems with the roof
- Published
A man has said that his flat, beset with leaks and mould, is "killing" him.
Last year, Barry was moved from his flat in Hove, East Sussex, into emergency accommodation due to problems with the roof, including rainwater ingress and mould.
He returned to his flat in Clarendon Villas three weeks ago and said the problems that Southern Housing claimed to have fixed had only been patched up.
The housing association said it had invested nearly £9,000 in repairs, including clearing and cleaning the property, addressing leaks, redecoration, a new kitchen and replacement flooring.
Barry said that his flat in Hove was almost uninhabitable
Barry said that the flat was almost uninhabitable.
"The extractor fan is leaking water from the loft, I have no cooking facilities, I've got live wires hanging. I cannot cook or even make a tea or coffee," he said.
"I think it's disgraceful, it's harmful, it's dangerous, it's life-threatening.
"It's killing me."
He also claimed that he was unable to sleep in his bedroom due to the presence of "contaminated" white goods and mould, as well as an absence of flooring.
Barry also claimed that he was unable to sleep in his bedroom due to the issues
Southern Housing said a recent inspection found no ongoing leaks, but that a further contractor was to visit this week to inspect.
A spokesperson said repairs or mould treatment required would be "actioned immediately", and it would arrange collection of the non-functioning white goods via the local authority.
"Our priority remains ensuring he is safe, supported and in a well-maintained home," they added.
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