'A hole in my wall left me freezing cold all winter - and my bed sheets mouldy'
05.05.2023 - 05:23
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A housing association tenant says a hole in the wall left their flat 'freezing cold' through the winter - and mould growing on their bedding. Antonio Dillon, who lives in Brinnington, has criticised Stockport Homes for the issue, which they claim had an impact on their physical and mental health for eight months.
The Gardner Grange property became so damp, kitchen cupboards and cabinets turned to a paper-like 'mush', it is claimed. Antonio, who uses the pronouns they/them, says they were forced to throw away mould-ravaged furniture and clothes - including items belonging to their five-year-old daughter.
Stockport Homes - which manages more than 12,000 council and privately-let properties across the borough - said it has been working closely with Antonio to resolve the issues. The landlord added that, due to 'the complex nature of the issues faced', fixing the problems has taken longer than had been hoped.
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Bosses have apologised 'for the delay and for any distress caused'. Antonio, 30, said a hole in a wall, which appears to be the cause of damp and mould, left it impossible to get their home warm during the autumn and winter months, forcing heating bills through the roof.
"It has been freezing, it has been colder than outside if I'm being honest," Antonio said. "There have been points through the winter where I have not been able to put the heating on because I have not been able to afford it.
"I have struggled massively, not just with aches and pains, but my mental health and the stress it has put on me." At times, Antonio said they would suffer the cold so they could afford to have the heating on when their daughter stayed over.
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