A Dundee mum has told how she fears for her baby son’s health as she fights to be rehoused due to mould in her council home.
Samantha Clelland was housed in the one-bed property in Craigiebank about two years ago and says she immediately complained about damp and mould.
The spores continue to show up throughout the house despite a number of treatments, including fungal washes, being administered by Dundee City Council.
And Samantha says the issue is causing even more concern for her and partner Lee’s four-month-old.
Samantha told The Courier: “The day we got the keys everything looked fine, but we started stripping wallpaper off and there was a big wet patch.
“We were sleeping on the bed and it was just covered in mould underneath, which we’re breathing in.
“The council came out and said they’d treat it, but I’d washed it down with bleach and it wasn’t helping.
“They insulated the walls but the house is still absolutely freezing, even with the heating on.”
Samantha and Lee painted the living room but claim the paint started to crack.
They say the council told the couple they had used the wrong paint.
Samantha said: “The paint was from B&Q, so I don’t understand that.
“The walls are freezing, and eventually they said they’d put new windows in.
Bed ‘replaced three times due to mould’
“We’ve replaced the bed and couch three times due to the mould.
“At one point they even asked which way I faced when I slept at night, and said the condensation was because I faced the window.”
Samantha says the mould has ruined a number of personal items and furniture, forcing them to pay for replacements.
The family now want to be rehomed but have been told it could be a lengthy wait.
Samantha added: “When I fell pregnant with my son I asked for a new home, but they said I would be waiting a long time because only so many houses are available each year.
“I told them I didn’t think I could bring a baby home here, and now he has some breathing issues.
“The health visitor thought it might be due to milk at first, but now we think it’s because of the mould.”
The Courier asked Dundee City Council which steps are being taken to find a solution.
A spokesman said: “We are engaged in the matter and undertaking the necessary steps to resolve the issue.”
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