Isle of Wight mum's fears for children in mouldy temporary home

The Isle of Wight Council told the Isle of Wight County Press it "would not knowingly use housing that is unfit for purpose", but admitted alternative accommodation is "limited".

The family's nightmare began when a private landlord sold their Godshill home, in May 2020.

The Isle of Wight Council moved them into temporary accommodation in Sandown but, three months later, damp patches, condensation and mould spores on furniture began to appear.

From left: mould in the mother's bedroom and mould in her children's room. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

The 42-year-old was told by her housing officer she wasn't opening enough windows but, despite taking the advice, she says the mould got worse and her children became ill.

"In three years, I went through four sofas because it was constantly wet and mouldy. When my twins were in their pram it was wet and went mouldy."

She says her calls for new accommodation took three years and claims the Isle of Wight Council only acted because she told them she had contacted the County Press about her plight. It also cost her £500 to switch locations.

As well as Sandown councillor, Ian Ward and social services, she contacted the Secretary of State for Housing, Michael Gove.

A response from the Government, seen by the County Press, said damp and mould are "not lifestyle issues" and cited the need to learn lessons after the death of Rochdale two-year-old, Awaab Ishak.

In 2023, the Island family secured a move to a flat in Lake but, just two weeks later, their 'fresh start' turned into a case of history repeating itself.

A leak in the roof led to water dripping on the children's beds, leaving water stains on the walls. The living room and bedroom show evidence of mould and damp.

"My children are constantly coughing and sneezing and always off school and nursery, which meant I was off work", she told the County Press, adding doctors advised inhalers, and school clothes were mouldy.

From left: Water marks on the wall and mould. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)"I can't go through it again", she said.

"It is a massive worry for how bad it's going to get - and how quickly. I used to cry every night".

The stress has taken its toll and she has been signed off work.

Although work to fix the leaky roof was promised and scaffolding was put up, no repairs have yet been carried out.

The Isle of Wight Council says it is unable to comment on individual cases but remains committed to resolving problems quickly, when they do occur.

A spokesperson said: "The local authority does not manage property and cannot resolve directly issues experienced, but we do try to support tenants to take up concerns directly with the property owner.

“We take issues seriously and will do all we can to assist, including pursuing a resolution directly with the landlord. 

"Sadly, this can sometimes be challenging and take time, which we recognise is frustrating for the tenant and for us."

The Isle of Wight Council says the choice of suitable accommodation can be limited but insists it would not knowingly use housing that is unfit for purpose. 

The spokesperson said too many changes of accommodation can be unsettling and multiple moves for households are 'only considered as a last resort'.

"In addition, other alternatives, such as an offer of financial assistance to be able to source alternative private accommodation, are also explored.”