Desperate Young Mum Raises Concerns Over Damp and Mould-Riddled Council Flat Putting Baby at Risk
Brianna Darcy, a 24-year-old mother, is speaking out about the dire living conditions in her council flat that she claims are endangering her baby’s health. The one-bedroom flat on Twickenham Road in Kingstanding is infested with damp and mould, causing Brianna’s six-month-old daughter, Maeve, to suffer from coughing fits and breathing difficulties.
Brianna, who lives in the flat with her partner Matthew and their three cats, expressed her fear for her daughter’s safety. Maeve has had temperature-regulation issues since birth, and Brianna is extremely protective of her fragile baby. Despite concerns from friends and family, the young mother hesitated to speak out, thinking that others might be in worse situations.
However, the situation has reached a breaking point for Brianna. The flat’s ceiling is on the verge of collapse, and Maeve experiences severe coughing fits, often turning red in the face. Black mould grows near her sleeping area, raising concerns about potential health issues such as asthma. Brianna is devastated that her daughter has to grow up in such a hazardous environment and feels guilty that she cannot provide better living conditions. She is unable to even take photos of her baby due to the unsightly state of the flat.
Brianna, who relies on Universal Credit and struggles with her mental health, mentioned that she had reached out to the council for help but feels ignored. She had a private surveyor assess the flat before Maeve’s birth, who concluded that the entire property would need to be rebuilt due to the damp and mould originating from the exterior walls. However, the council’s suggestions to remedy the situation, such as rearranging furniture or opening windows, have proved ineffective.
The unrelenting black mould continues to cause havoc throughout the ground floor property, causing wallpaper to peel off the walls. The kitchen poses an additional hazard, with a cracked ceiling on the verge of collapse due to a leak. As a result, the family is forced to cook in their overcrowded living room.
Brianna has reached out to her social worker, seeking assistance for her baby’s sake. She is diligently bidding for a two-bedroom property to improve their living conditions, but progress has been slow. The constant dread of waking up in their hazardous home is taking a toll on both Brianna and her baby. She believes that Maeve deserves a decorated, warm, and habitable home.
Councillor Rick Payne, representing Kingstanding, spoke out in support of Brianna, calling her council flat unfit for human habitation. He criticized Birmingham City Council for failing to adequately address such cases and neglecting their tenants’ basic needs. Cllr Payne emphasized the urgent need for repairs and improvements to ensure a safe environment for Brianna and her family.
In response, a spokesperson for Birmingham City Council expressed regret over the issues faced by Brianna and assured her that they are committed to assisting her. The council is investigating the source of the recurring mould and leak, and their contractors will visit the property to implement permanent repairs. They also acknowledged Brianna’s housing application and affirmed their support in helping her bid for suitable properties. However, they highlighted the high demand for homes across the country, making it challenging to find alternative accommodations quickly.
Brianna’s distressing situation highlights the plight faced by many tenants in Birmingham who are living in substandard conditions. It underscores the dire need for increased investment in council properties, repairs, and improved tenant support. Brianna and her baby deserve a safe and healthy place to call home, and it is crucial for the authorities to take swift action to rectify this unacceptable situation.
