A BROOMLANDS woman suffering from a lung condition says she can’t recover because of dampness in her council house, writes Derek Murdoch.

Joan Cunningham’s neighbour said that the council was ‘bluffing’ by telling her to stop drying clothes in the property. 

However, North Ayrshire Council insist the issue is caused by condensation rather than dampness. 

The East Broomlands resident, 56, suffers from a serious lung infection for which she is taking antibiotics.

The damp problem in the flat, which has been present for at least two months, is hindering her recovery.

Now a neighbour with experience in the construction industry has intervened with the council on her behalf after becoming dissatisfied with their response.

Irvine Times:

Alastair Goldie said: “The council just keep replastering it, and the mould keeps coming through again. It’s a gable end property, and the mould is coming through the walls from outside.

“We’ve been through this for a long time with the council, and I feel they know it’s a deep-rooted problem but it’s as if they’re trying to save money.”

Two housing inspectors attended the property on Monday morning, followed later by a senior building manager who acknowledged the extent of the problem.

Ms Cunningham, who was unable to speak at length due to her condition, said: “I’ve had two housing inspectors in on Monday, and they’re just doing nothing about it. I’m lying on my settee in the living room because I can’t lie on my bed.

“The council actually told me to consider moving into a private let – I’ve been in and out of hospital that many times with that many things, I just don’t think that’s fair.”

Mr Goldie added: “The two inspectors this morning just seemed to be bluffing Joan off. They were telling her not to dry her washing in the house and things like that, because of condensation – but it’s not condensation that leads to a wet carpet, and mould spores which she’s breathing in.

“And they said they were going to put anti-fungal spray down on the carpet, but that’s not going to stop water coming in the house.

Irvine Times:

“We had a senior building manager in from the council later on, he seemed a bit more genuine.”

The council however, while acknowledging that further repairs were required to Ms Cunningham’s flat, reiterated that condensation lay at the root of the damp problem.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The council first visited the property in August to conduct a dampness survey and discuss the concerns of the tenant.

“Her representative was advised that the issues being raised are associated with condensation and not any form of rising or penetrative dampness. Repairs to areas of plaster have now been completed and outstanding fungal treatment is due to be carried out this week. Further repairs will be carried out as soon as possible.”