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I’m a traveller mum – I’ve been forced to live in a mouldy council flat… I’d rather live in my caravan
A TRAVELLER mum says she has been forced to live in a mouldy council flat – and would rather be in her caravan.
Disabled Marie Rooney, 34, moved into a Nottingham City Homes (NCH) flat in the St Ann’s district of the city in October 2021 after she suffered a stroke.
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The Irish mum said though she would return to her old lifestyle “in a heartbeat” if her health would allow her to.
Marie suffers from severe asthma and a heart condition, giving her breathing difficulties and is dependent on steroids.
The mum-of-four also has swelling in her vocal chords which affects her speech.
Marie is worried about the health of her kids due to the scale of the mould in her NCH property and has called for it to be urgently fixed.
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NCH said that officials carried out a survey when Marie first reported the problems towards the end of last year.
A survey was carried out which highlighted mould and damp problems which needed sorting out.
It added though that when staff arrived to carry out the repairs Marie refused the workers access because she wanted to be moved elsewhere.
Marie said she couldn’t be present in the flat while the work was being carried out due to her health issues, adding that she needed alternative accommodation which NCH is working to provide.
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While she waits to be found alternative accommodation she is concerned for her children’s health and safety rather than her own as the ceilings in both rooms of her home are covered in black mould.
Three of her kids are autistic and Marie said the “disgusting conditions” are impacting on their wellbeing.
She also said that she believes she is "treated less than other residents just because I am a traveller".
Marie said: "They would not let anyone to live in these conditions. But because I am a traveller they would just leave me here.
“Sometimes it is hard to speak because of my condition and I feel like they know that so they do not do anything. I have never lived in mould in my life."
Marie said she cannot clean the ceiling herself because of her health condition.
"It is disgusting. It's a nightmare," she added. "I believe I am being discriminated. I do not want to moan about me anymore - it is about my children. It is really hard to breathe.
"Three of them have autism and one of them also has suspected ADHD.
"It is affecting them, children with autism need routine and this is not the place where I could offer them that.
"They have severe sleeping problems, they go to school tired. I am scared for my children's health."
A spokesperson for Nottingham City Homes said: “When Ms Rooney first reported the problems towards the end of last year, we took it seriously, acted promptly and carried out a full survey which revealed unacceptable mould and damp issues that needed addressing.
“However, when we arrived to carry out the repair appointment, she refused to allow us in as she wanted to be moved to alternative accommodation while works were carried out.
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"We’re seeking a temporary property suitable for her needs, although this is a challenge due to current demands for housing.
“Part of the works we have planned is fitting dehumidifiers and associated equipment to reduce the amount of condensation generated in the flat, and once works are complete we will offer Ms Rooney support in managing the property to avoid this happening again.”
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