A disabled Glasgow woman says she has been ‘left suicidal’ living in a mould-infested flat for almost two decades.
Sarah McEwan, from Pollok, moved into her Levernside Avenue property in May 2007 and, by November, she says that the ‘entire house was black’ with mould. The 43-year-old contacted her housing association, Wheatley Homes, who sent someone to wash down the walls and paint over the mould.
Ms McEwan says workers have been called out four times every year for the past 18 to deal with the issue which has left walls, furniture and clothes black – and she has been left fearing for her health.
Speaking to Glasgow Live, she said: “I told the housing officer a few weeks ago that I feel like running across the road in front of a bus and they can take their keys back. That is how bad it is living here.
“I was born with dislocated hips and living here over the past 18 years has taken me to my breaking point. The problems started soon after I moved in and all they did was come wash it off and paint over. They have painted the walls so many times that I have had enough. I don’t want them to paint another wall.
“I had silent pneumonia and took a bad chest infection and the GP said it could be caused by dampness and breathing in mould. I remember waking up one morning and I couldn’t breathe. I am meant to get a hip replacement on the 20th of January. It was meant to be on the 16th of December but I was coughing up blood. Sometimes I wake up and it is like I am choking.
The housing association resident has had six beds and multiple couches over the years because growths keep taking hold on furniture and carpets. She says she has been told to ‘rotate’ the furniture to stop spores spreading, however, is unable to do so due to her disability.
Sarah continued: “I got a new bed in March and it is already mouldy. The new couch I got at the same time is green at the back.”
Sarah also reported that her floor was ‘moving’ around a decade ago, which she believes was caused by woodworms. She slept on her couch for 21 days while workmen pulled up her bedroom floor – but she maintains that the property is still affected by insects today.
She added: “I can see them fly by me. I’ve got ornaments on my window ledge, and every few weeks, It fills up with these black beetles because they can’t get back out.
“Within three or four days, there will be about 20 or 30 of them. I find them on my nephew’s toys, it’s disgusting.”
Sarah, who is on anti-depressants and suffers from mental health issues, says the situation has left her struggling, and added: “People can’t believe I live like this. I burst into tears because when I go to see family because they all say I smell damp.
“I try to keep my house as clean as possible and keep on top of it, but I’m disabled, and I have arthritis. My health is deteriorating and I feel it in my chest, lungs, hips and I am in pain all of the time.
“I’ve had enough of being ignored and fobbed off.”
Wheatley Homes Glasgow responded that the housing association has found “no evidence” of woodworm or rising damp, but that work would be carried out on the southside property this week.
A spokesperson said: “We’re very sorry it’s taken longer than hoped to get this sorted.
“A full inspection was carried out and found absolutely no evidence of woodworm or rising damp.
“We found small patches of mould in the bedroom and living room, which will both be treated today (Thursday, January 9). We will also fit extra air vents on the outside of her home as soon as possible.
“The tenant was offered temporary accommodation while we get these repairs carried out, but she declined. We will continue to support her in every way we can, including replacing the carpets in the home.”
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