Camberwell mum trapped in mould-ridden flat “giving kids asthma”

By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter

A mum claims she is trapped in a house with mould so bad her asthmatic kids are “constantly sick” and don’t want to spend time at home.

Shakisha Monfries claims a four-year mould and damp problem in her housing association flat in Camberwell is causing her son, Isaiah, seven, and daughter Iyanna, six, to fall ill.

The 28-year-old said the problem was so bad that her kids often miss school because they’re suffering from coughing and breathing problems.

In a letter, their doctor said both children were suffering from asthma symptoms, and they believe the mould in the property was likely “exacerbating the symptoms”.

Mum-of-two Ms Monfries, who moved into the flat in 2015, said: “They are constantly sick. They were born healthy children but now they’re asthmatic and are missing school because they are coughing and wheezing.

“Their breathing issues have got worse. I think that’s because of the damp and mould.

“I have realised that if we are not in this house, they are fine. When we are on vacation they are fine and as soon as we come back it’s an issue. They don’t like coming home.”

Ms Monfries said her mould and damp nightmare began a few years ago when the flooring in her living room started to lift and rip.

She claimed when trades people came to inspect it, they said damp underneath the flooring was causing the problem.

Since then she said the issue has got worse and today walls, ceilings and window frames in Ms Monfries’s property were coated with mould.

The problem is so bad that when she cleans the window frames, mould returns within three days, Ms Monfries claims.

She desperately wants to move house to give her kids a better life, but like more than 16,500 other families, Ms Monfries is stuck on Southwark council’s housing waiting list.

She said: “Sometimes we will walk upstairs in the communal area and the walls will be dripping. It’s ridiculous. This has been going on for so long and I’ve done everything I can to try and sort it. I need stability. That’s what I need.”

“I feel worthless to the children. If they’re upset about their living conditions I can’t do anything. As a parent, you want to give them the best chance but I can’t.”

A spokesman for Peabody, the housing association which manages the flat, said: “We have visited Ms Monfries’  home to treat the mould when reported to us.

“We will complete any necessary repairs as soon as possible, however, we have not found any damp. We have been in regular and close contact with Ms Monfries, ensuring that any reported issues are resolved.

“The home was the right size and suitable for Ms Monfries when she moved in. But like many families facing overcrowding, her family has grown and there is a desperate shortage of family-sized social homes.”

Pictured top: Shakisha Monfries in the mouldy flat in Camberwell (Picture: Robert Firth and Shakisha Monfries)