Fungi grows on walls in Lewisham woman’s home after housing association fails to fix leak
A Lewisham Homes tenant is living with fungi on her walls after the housing association failed to repair an ongoing leak.
Iva Leacock, who lives in Egmont Street, New Cross, said she started to have problems with her bathroom in 2005.
Water has been leaking from the bathroom onto the ceiling and wall below.
Despite multiple visits from plumbers and decorators over the years, the problem has not been resolved.
Lewisham Homes has admitted that there is a recurring problem at Ms Leacock’s flat but say their records show it has only been ongoing since 2018.
Ms Leacock said: “This problem has been ongoing over the years, and on each occasion, Lewisham Homes have sent out plumbers, who would come over and reseal the bath.
“But the problem continued, and became worse, damaging the ground floor decor and wall.
“Instead of the situation getting better it continued to worsen, until it has now reached this state.
“I feel that Lewisham Homes have been very insensitive to this matter.”
Ms Leacock added her health was suffering as a result of the problem.
She said: “I am finding that I am suffering with coughs and colds, which are persistent, and I have been attending my GP.”
The damage is also having an effect on her mental health.
A spokesman from Lewisham Homes said: “Our records indicate that Ms Leacock first reported a problem with her bathroom to us in 2018.
“We have attended to this and a number of other repairs since that time. Nevertheless we acknowledge there has been a recurring problem with Ms Leacock’s bathroom, and that this has been inconvenient and frustrating for her.
“We most recently attended in June and we believe that we have now fully resolved the problem.
“Lewisham Homes has offered to re-plaster and fully make good all damaged decorations and we will carry out these works at Ms Leacock’s earliest convenience. We apologise to Ms Leacock for the delays in getting this matter fully resolved.”
Pictured top: Iva Leacock (left) and fungi and mould in her home (right)
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