Cancer patient says he is stuck in Bracknell mouldy flat

Jerry Brombley said the furniture in his home is covered in mould

A man with cancer has said he is stuck in a mouldy flat because his social landlord is refusing to rehome him.

Jerry Brombley moved from Maidenhead to Bracknell in January to be closer to his chemotherapy unit but, soon after moving in, mould began to appear.

Silva Homes said it would provide temporary accommodation and carry out repairs but would "not offer permanent house moves based on medical grounds".

Mr Brombley said the offer was not suitable due to his health problems.

He said the mould, which had recently been painted over, appeared in every room.

But by the time the housing association sent contractors, he had begun chemotherapy and could not be exposed to the chemicals needed to treat the problem.

Silva Homes offered temporary accommodation and repairs

Mr Brombley said hospital staff advised Silva Homes that, even if he moved out during repairs, the chemicals used would continue to pose a risk to his health once he returned.

He said the Toll Gardens flat was like "a fridge" with walls "full of water and damp".

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "The bedroom carpet is covered in mould. All the units have fallen apart. We've got mouldy furniture. We've got ants in the kitchen, in the bathroom, in the cupboards.

"It isn't fit for a human being to be in."

Mould appeared on the bedroom wall of Mr Brombley's flat

A Silva Homes statement said: "We are aware of the difficult circumstances this customer is unfortunately facing with their health.

"We have offered the customer alternative temporary accommodation whilst works are being carried out, but this offer has been declined due to the challenges faced with the customer's health.

"Silva Homes' policy is that we do not offer permanent house moves based on medical grounds.

"As Mr Brombley's current accommodation will be suitable for his needs following completion of the necessary repairs, a permanent move is not the best solution in these circumstances."

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