A mum in Cardiff is battling a nightmare scenario with relentless mould in her council flat, making her home feel unliveable. Chloe Phillips has seen her children’s toys, pram, and cot fall victim to the persistent damp problem that just won’t go away. Despite numerous clean-ups and interventions by Cardiff Council, the mould keeps finding its way back into her family’s life.
Chloe’s children, aged one and six, have been directly affected, with one needing hospital care for respiratory issues. The worry doesn’t end there – her eldest is now dealing with asthma, a condition worsened by the mouldy environment. Chloe spends extra on heating, only to be told to keep the house ventilated, leaving her family cold and worried about health implications.
“It’s heartbreaking,” she explains, revealing moments when she noticed her daughter’s baby basket turning green with spores. No amount of cleaning seems enough, and even after three ‘mould washes’ from the council, the problem persists. Visitors are scarce, as the family is too embarrassed to invite anyone into their home.
Overwhelmed by the situation, Chloe hasn’t considered joining the lengthy housing waiting list, which has thousands waiting, some for more than 10 years. Cardiff Council is under pressure, with increased demands on its housing repairs team compounded by new responsibilities like homeless hostels.
The council has established a Dry Homes Team to tackle issues like Chloe’s, promising swift action and improvement in their housing quality. Recently, damp inspection and prioritised repairs have been carried out in Chloe’s flat as part of their focus on making sure tenants feel safe and comfortable.
The struggle with mould and damp remains a massive issue, as Ms. Jane Thomas from Cardiff Council reveals an uptick in urgent repairs and works since the pandemic. Despite the challenges, they assure residents they’re working hard to clear backlogs and enhance the repair services.
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