Ashton woman ‘at breaking point’ because of black mould in her home

AN ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE woman’s home has been inspected after her patience ran out over black mould that has plagued her home.

The resident, who lives on Crowhill Road, says she has been reporting the issue to housing provider Jigsaw Homes Tameside for at least two years.

Pictures show how widespread the problem, caused by a roof leak, has become and she reports to have had no electricity downstairs since October 2022.

Now after several attempts, Jigsaw is believed to have visited the property to see the problems for themselves and book in the required repair work.

The worried resident kept an online log of issues over the past two years, including the ceiling plaster falling because of the leak in September 2022.

She told how the electricity went a month later and how roofing works did not fix the problem, meaning the plastering could not be restored.

The matter also brings Awaab’s Law – the legislation brought in after two-year-old Awaab Ishak died as a result of exposure to mould – into consideration.

A frustrated tenant told Jigsaw: “I have attempted to clean and redecorate however unfortunately the issue has reoccurred.

“This issue has been reported on a multitude of times. I have also sought legal advice.

“The roof is still leaking, I still have no electricity downstairs and the mould is growing after cleaning and painting with mould sealant.

“As a landlord, you have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of the home you are providing.

“I feel as though Jigsaw’s unwillingness in getting this resolved compromises this legal obligation and I would also like to point out Awaab’s Law that was recently passed – Jigsaw’s response is not in line with the process laid out.

“It is incredibly discouraging to see this kind of response from a social housing provider, especially given the circumstances leading up to the introduction of the law.

“Does somebody else have to die before this issue is tackled for good? I am a single mum and I suffer with anxiety, depression and agoraphobia.

“I hate spending time in the place I should be able to call home as right now. It isn’t a home, it’s uninhabitable and I also worry the exposure to the mould will cause respiratory issues with myself or my daughter.

“I just want my matter to be taken seriously so I can feel comfortable in my own home again.

“I’ve re decorated twice and had my stairs carpet re-done a year ago. That’s now also black and wet with mould.

“I cannot live like this no more. I am at my breaking point.”

Raoni says her case has been referred to the Housing Ombudsman and after being contacted by The Correspondent, Jigsaw has started to put steps in place.

The firm has a comprehensive approach to tackling damp and mould and its properties are in line with the Government’s estimation of between four and six per cent of social housing homes having damp and/or mould.

It is also believed staff have recently visited Raoni’s home after hearing of her worries.

A spokesperson for Jigsaw Homes Tameside said: “The health and safety of our residents and their families is our absolute priority and we totally understand Miss McKenzie’s concerns.

“We are continuously making sure we identify and respond as quickly as possible to reports of damp and/or mould and we have already undertaken work to fix a leak in the roof which was reported and completed in April 2023.

“We are sorry to hear that the resident feels she has not had the service she expects, and we will look into this.

“We have arranged to carry out an inspection at the home to review and book in necessary work.”