Bracknell dad call to fix mould at mum and children's home

Jan 16, 2024

A dad from Bracknell has been desperately trying to arrange work and repairs after the flat his partner and children live in became badly afflicted with mould over the winter.

Matthew Cobb, 27, has been trying to get rid of the mould at the flat his partner, son and daughter live at in Deepfield Road, Bullbrook.

He said a water leak from the roof has led to damp and mould spreading into the walls of the home they live in.

Photos show the walls and ceiling badly stricken with mould and damp.

Mr Cobb said: “My daughter had water dripping onto her head. I organised a professional to come round and they said the flat is uninhabitable.”

However, Mr Cobb said housing provider Silva Homes’ assessment of the situation conflicted with the professional he hired.

The ceiling is damp due to a water leak at the home in Deepfield Road, Bracknell. Credit: Matthew Cobb

Mr Cobb said: “I met with a tenancy officer, it seemed like he wanted to help.

“Ultimately, we’ve gone to them, we’ve gone to environmental health at the council and the local MP but it just seems to go round in circles.

“They’ve got the ability to bury it under the carpet. My son is diagnosed asthmatic and Silva Homes just don’t care.”

While Silva Homes has visited the property, the issue has resurfaced.

Mr Cobb said: “A professional did come to spray the mould over, but they could not get into the loft, which meant the mould has come back with a vengeance.”

Clear evidence of black mould on the wall close to the floor at the home in Deepfield Road, Bracknell. Credit: Matthew Cobb

The dad also flagged an issue with the family sharing bedrooms, questioning whether the home is appropriate for the family.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted Silva Homes with the issue, who confirmed that the damp is has taken hold due to a structural issue with the roof.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of an issue with damp and mould at this customer’s property.

“The property has been inspected by our surveyor, and our team are liaising with contractors to carry out the recommended roof works as soon as possible.

“We have also had two further appointments scheduled, but we have been unable to gain access the property to carry out the inspections and start internal remedial works.

“One of these appointments has been re-booked with the customer for February, and for the other we are awaiting confirmation of the next available dates from our specialist damp and mould contractor.”

Grainne Siggins, Executive Director for People at Bracknell Forest Council, said there are no laws stopping siblings of different genders sharing a bedroom.

However, there are guidelines that children of the opposite sex should ideally have their own bedroom once the eldest child reaches 10.

Director Siggins added: “Applicants on the housing register are assessed according to their current accommodation and housing need, which is reflected in the priority they are given.

“We would, however, always encourage all our applicants on the housing register to consider all types of accommodation that is being advertised on the website: www.bfcmychoice.org.uk.

“If someone believes their accommodation does not match their needs or their needs have changed then they should get in touch with us directly so that we can advise them accordingly.”

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