Hereford mum's move from sewage leak flat 'life-changing'

Kianne Brown said the move had helped improve the health of her children

A mother-of-two described her new home as "life-changing" after she said her old flat smelt like human waste.

Kianne Brown, 35, moved to Hereford with her young children and claimed the move helped improve their health.

The family had faced flooding, leaking sewage and mould in their social housing in Kington, Herefordshire.

Provider Stonewater Housing Association, which managed her old flat, said it was "fantastic" to hear the family were doing well.

"It's been life-changing for me and my kids," Ms Brown said.

"I started seeing a difference in my child's health, they are so much happier as well.

"No more coughing, colds or sickness."

'Stunk of human waste'

Describing their previous living conditions, she said: "It was vile, we had holes in our ceiling, I had water literally pouring through the hole in my house.

"In the kitchen, the pipes kept bursting and it stunk of human waste."

Other major issues in the building included dangerous communal areas, mouldy windows and huge cracks in the ceilings and walls, Ms Brown said.

But she explained the raw sewage leak underneath her home had been particularly unpleasant, leaving both of her children unwell.

In January 2023, Stonewater said it was aware of the damage and was arranging for the family to be moved to more suitable property.

Hereford Racecourse from Ms Brown's new home

After speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester last year, Ms Brown said the family were moved into a hotel where they stayed for three months.

They then relocated to their current home which has a view of Hereford Racecourse.

• Hear on BBC Sounds as Kianne Brown described how much the change of home meant to her and her family

When asked what others in her situation should do, Ms Brown said: "Speak out about it, don't give up, stand your ground and don't let them fob you off.

"What I would say is go to your local radio station because they helped me a lot."

A spokesperson for Stonewater confirmed it had now sold the old building in Kington and moved everyone out, with help from Herefordshire Council.

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