Weymouth family living in cold flat with mould spores

Siobhan Jones, 29, has been living in a flat in Park Street with partner Paul Tandy since March after Dorset Council put them in contact with a local landlady.

Since moving in, Ms Jones has given birth to baby Cody. The trio have been struggling with chesty coughs due to mould spores in the property, which they believe is due to the sudden drop in temperature.

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Siobhan Jones, 29 with baby Cody and Paul Tandy, 58 (2)

Currently, the flat is fitted with electric heaters which are not emitting enough heat. The couple were told it would be replaced with gas utilities when they first moved in.

The Echo has been told there had been delays with grants and gas system installation due to Covid.

The wall in the hallway entrance has mould growing, which has left the tenants coats covered in spores. Picture: Sam McKeown

Siobhan said: "In early September we experienced heavy rain, which is when we discovered there was an issue with the roof.

"Since then, the roof has started to cave in and with the recent drop in temperature mould spores have started to grow in both bedrooms and the hallway.

"We have electric heaters, which aren't emitting enough heat to keep us warm in any part of the flat.

"We wake up in the morning and our bed sheet and the baby's sheet are wet due to the damp during the nighttime.

"We putting socks on the baby's hands when he's asleep to try and keep him warm.

"I'm now in fear of my baby getting ill due to the mould and the lack of warmth. With Covid still around, it's become a double fear for my baby's lungs especially as it will only get colder.

"It's not good enough. It feels like we're living in a freezing dump."

Mould growing on the walls in the spare bedroom. Picture: Sam McKeown

Partner Paul Tandy, 58, said the electricity bills are more than £100 per month.

He said: "We're both on Universal Credit. We have monthly bills which we just can't afford.

"The baby getting pneumonia is my biggest concern."

Landlady Hilary Rodgers said: "I feel great sympathy for the tenants.

"A grant was applied for with Heat Melcombe Regis, which is in partnership with Dorset Council.

"There has been delays with grants and any gas system installation due to Covid.

"It was a priority when they moved in the property and now with the baby - it's urgent."

The baby's crib is in the main bedroom with mould growing on the walls. Picture: Sam McKeown

Mould growing on the walls of the main bedroom. Picture: Sam McKeown

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council portfolio holder for housing, said: "This has recently been brought to our attention and we are investigating.

"The council provides advice and support for people living in private rented accommodation.

"We're committed to doing what we can to ensure landlords bring damp, mouldy and cold properties to a good standard.

"If your home is in disrepair, unsafe or cold, report it online at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing/advice-for-tenants."

Mould growing on the walls of the main bedroom. Picture: Sam McKeown