'Water leaks through ceiling in my mould-hit home'

Black mould is caked all over the walls and ceilings

A woman says holes in the roof of her social housing association home has led to leaks and extensive black mould throughout the building.

Kerry Layton, 36, from Herefordshire says she has been pleading for months for the housing association to carry out repairs.

Ms Layton lives in Leominster with her children, three under the age of five, and the family has to sleep on mattresses downstairs because of the mould.

Housing association Stonewater said it was aware of Ms Layton's problems and has arranged for scaffolding to be put up around her house so they can investigate.

"The water actually leaks through the ceiling," Ms Layon told BBC Radio H&W.

‘Mould nightmare' in Leominster social housing - BBC Sounds

She said it has spread throughout the ceilings, as well as on her windows, her family's belongings, and even bedsheets.

"Some of the bedding is getting mould on, I've had to chuck it out," she said.

It's disgusting, it gets all damp and wet inside the windows as well."

The mould reappears even after being wiped, Ms Layton said

Ms Layton said her family's health is at risk with her children becoming "ill frequently".

She said contacting Stonewater multiple times "doesn't seem to be going anywhere".

"It's upsetting that they would leave a family like that, especially at this time of year getting colder - they knew about the problem and they've done absolutely nothing," she said.

A Stonewater spokesperson said the types of leaks affecting Ms Layton's home could be complex to identify and repair.

They said a work order has been raised and they have arranged a date with Ms Layton to erect scaffolding to complete the work needed.

They believe the mould is not endemic but likely a result of water ingress and plan to fix and compensate Ms Layton and her family.

The repairs will include "new insulation, replacing the ceiling, new ventilation fans, redecoration, and compensation for any damage to personal items," the Stonewater spokesperson added.