Powys woman 'struggling to breathe due to black mould'

Gillian Rees, 43, from Newtown has said that her health is being seriously affected by black mould which has been affecting her council property for years

“It started when I first moved here in 2019,” said Gillian. “It was fine when I moved in but after a few months I noticed black mould and then the smell started - it’s a mouldy rotten smell.”

Gillian said since living in the flat the conditions have contributed to her poor health, leading to an underactive thyroid which has led to severe health issues including a persistent and severe cough and breathing problem.

“Two years ago I started getting this cough,” she added. “They thought it was asthma, that it was COPD but then a month ago they diagnosed me with thyroid problems.

“I think I’d been here a year and my voice changed. Not long ago I woke up at five in the morning and couldn’t breathe.”

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It took two years before she got repairs to the flat last year after getting help from Councillor Pete Lewington.

“There was a leak in one of the pipes underneath the bathroom. That had been going on for I don’t know how long,” sad Gillian. “I said from day one, anything near the floor is just getting ruined and they just blamed me for having furniture against the wall which I didn’t have. They just fobbed me for years until Peter Lewington got involved.”

However this year the problem has returned worse than ever leading to her health getting worse and much of her property being damaged

“I have had to throw so much stuff away again. I have had to throw out my wardrobe, my chest of drawers, all my belongings are in plastic tubs and vacuum bags – it is just disgusting,” said Gillian.

“My kitchen, my cupboards are now covered in mould. Theres mould on my saucepans. It’s in my living room, in my bedroom again, my bathroom and my box room and it just smells disgusting.

“I’ve had enough, I just don’t want to live here anymore. I’m trying to get better and I can’t. It’s really frustrating and it makes me feel awful.”

Councillor Lewington said the matter was “unacceptable” and that he had raised it with the council as a matter of urgency – “We really need to get someone to take a look at this. It is having a detrimental impact on her health. She is someone who needs our help as soon as possible.

“I’m not sure if the problem has resurfaced either due to substandard work that was done last year or if there is an inherent problem with the property.”

Powys County Council, however have claimed they have received no complaints about the flat.A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “Extensive work has been undertaken at this property both internally and external.

"In late December early January 2023, the cavity insulation was removed for the entire block, and new fresh diamond bead has be re-instated to help with the insulation.

“The internal work consisted of all mould affected areas identified, were cleaned and treated and a small leak in the bathroom repaired and various walls have been replastered. New fans have been fitted in the kitchen and bathroom and the flat master heat exchanger was relocated to the hallway.

“Since the completion of the works we have not received notification from the Councillor or directly from Miss Rees to advise that there is still a mould issue within the flat.”