Hampshire mother's four-year battle over black mould

A mother said she has spent four years trying to get a housing association to rid her children's bedroom of mould.

Robyn Keefe, 38, lives in a two-bedroom flat in Gosport, Hampshire, owned and managed by Hyde Group.

Her children, Harry, 12, Poppy, 10, and eight-year-old Max, share a bedroom that has black mould across two walls as well as a damp and mouldy carpet.

Hyde Group has apologised to Ms Keefe and said it would "continue to provide the support needed".

Ms Keefe told the BBC that she blames her children's health problems on the mould.

"My youngest has asthma and I've had to take him to Queen Alexandra Hospital twice with breathing difficulties," she said.

"My daughter has a rash across her leg, which is scabby and itchy, and my eldest has anxiety and worries constantly about the mould."

Ms Keefe has digestive problems and needs an operation on her gallbladder, but said she cannot go ahead with surgery because she has nowhere safe to recuperate.

The mould is so bad the family have been sleeping on the floor in the front room for two years and use Ms Keefe's bedroom for clothes and storage.

"It means everyone is constantly tired and their schoolwork suffers," she said.

The mum-of-three said she has to put bleach on the walls and tries to keep her children out of the house as much as possible.

Ms Keefe said Hyde Group contacted her this week with an action plan to deal with the mould, including alternative accommodation while the work is carried out.

But she told the BBC: "I'll believe it when I actually see the work done."

She said she was glad the association was "finally listening" but questioned: "Why didn't they listen before?"

In June 2021, she said Hyde Group sent a surveyor to assess the damp who concluded it came from the bathroom.

The housing association said "follow-up work included servicing the ventilation system, treating the mould, redecorating using mould preventing paint, and renewing flooring".

It added that it carried out further work after Ms Keefe reported the issue again in December, including mould washes on affected areas.

But Ms Keefe told the BBC: "They've done mould washes and replaced the lino in the kitchen but they've not dealt with the root of the problem."

Her attempts to improve the condition of the flat have been supported by members of her local community, with her GP, Hampshire Children's Social Services, her children's school and her local vicar all writing to the housing association recommending that the problem be fixed or alternative accommodation found.

Ms Keefe said she has felt "like I'm talking to a wall", adding: "I just want to be a good mum and this is not what I want for my children."

In a statement, Hyde Group said: "We'd like to apologise to Miss Keefe for the problems that she's experiencing with damp and mould in her home, as we know how distressing this can be.

"We've been in touch with her again today [Thursday] and will continue to provide the support needed."

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