Family forced to live in a mould hell for weeks before Lambeth Council removes unhealthy spores
By Callum Cuddeford
A family living in mould hell were forced to wait weeks before the unhealthy spores were removed by Lambeth Council.
The “horrifying” conditions endured by the McManus family at temporary accommodation in Saxby Road, Brixton, were exposed in June leading to an offer by the council to fix the damp and move them out.
Over a month later and the family of four, which includes stroke survivor Agnes Carruthers, 66, are still living between damp and mouldy walls, making it hard to breathe.
Since the conditions were revealed they were told they will not have to move back to their old home in Loughborough Park after Lambeth agreed it was unsafe and offered them a three bedroom replacement.
But the offer has been overshadowed by continuing mould issues at their current house after Marie McManus, 36, was told the mould was “not that bad” by a surveyor.
More than a month after the council visit the mould was removed with a clean and repaint, but the leak and damp causing the problems was left because the garden was too overgrown to put up scaffolding.
The family suffers medical problems that prevent them from gardening.
Ms McManus said: “I’m beginning to feel like our lives really do not matter at all.
“I feel completely devastated by a local authority who is supposed to have a duty of care to their tenants, and clearly they just do not give a damn.
“Adam and Chris are getting very angry.
“My friend for the first time has seen pictures and she turned around and said ‘Are you joking? You have got to get out before someone dies.’
“I want them to get their heads out and realise we are a family that is vulnerable, you have put us through this for twenty years.
“Stop making excuses, actually safeguard your tenants.”
Lambeth council said they are in the process of improving the situation, with a mould wash and redecoration carried out and plans to address the guttering.
They also said the property they had offered signalled their desire to fix the situation.
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Oh Maria ☹️ so sad to see the way your living! You were my bestie and always made me smile! If I can help you in anyway then find me T x