Lambeth Council apologises for mould in Brixton flat

The kitchen is the worst-affected area

An elderly couple are living in a council property in Brixton that is "completely unsafe, unhealthy and unacceptable", according to their daughter.

Mary Keane said an external water leak had caused damage to the walls and ceilings, as well as creating mould.

She told the BBC that the problem started in February, but Lambeth Council had not yet fixed it.

The council said it apologised for the "failings" in the couple's case.

Maureen Keane said "you feel embarrassed you have to live like this"

It said in a statement: "We are extremely disappointed that, on this occasion, we fell below our standards," adding that it had now scheduled a number of works to Mr and Mrs Keane's flat that would be carried out "as soon as possible".

'Completely unacceptable'

Maureen Keane said life had become difficult in the 10 months since the problem emerged. "It's a health hazard, I've just had a gutful of it now," she said.

Her daughter Mary said the kitchen ceiling was supported by timber beams and that it was only "a matter of time" until it collapsed.

She said that despite the situation affecting her parents' physical and mental health, they had struggled to get Lambeth Council to address the problem.

The family has also reached out to local MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy. In a statement, she said: "The situation my elderly constituents are in is completely unacceptable."

The MP for Streatham said she had approached the council on the couple's behalf several times. She told the BBC that she believed that the council's contractors could do more to rectify the problem.

She added: "This has become a persistent problem with repairs across the borough, leaving many in terrible housing conditions."

Plaster has broken away to reveal the bricks underneath

Ms Keane said her parents had both recently been treated for cancer, and her mother had asthma and her father had epileptic seizures. She said they were both now at their "wits' end".

The family say the original leak has not been fixed, so water is still entering the property.

Ms Keane said: "You have to make sure you are wearing your slippers around the house because you're walking on a soggy floor."

She said her parents had lived in the flat since the early 1980s and always paid their rent on time.

"The whole family unit has been affected by this," she added.

Ms Keane said she hoped the issue would be addressed and the damage repaired before Christmas. She said her message to Lambeth Council was a simple one: "Please just sort this out for my parents, please."

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