A mum-of-two from Gateshead says she is dreading another winter in her "freezing cold" council home, which she claims is riddled with damp and mould. Hayley Parkin, 44, who lives with her two teenage daughters, Eleanor, 16, and Pearl, 13, described the conditions as "horrific".
Problems since moving in
Parkin moved into the property on the Leam Lane estate in September 2022, saying it "not looking too bad" when she viewed it. However, issues began shortly after the family settled in.
She said: "The first main issue was that the boiler wasn’t working properly and didn’t heat up like it was supposed to. We were having to share baths between us and the radiators weren’t heating up either. Even when all of this was replaced, it didn't solve the problem of the cold, as heat can't be retained because the windows don't shut properly."
"The gas bills were going up and up and there were draughts from all over the house which we were dealing with as well. There have been infestations of bugs like ants and woodlice and rats have been in the cavity walls for a long time. You can still sometimes hear them moving around and trying to get through."
Health and safety concerns
Parkin, a tattoo artist, said she has lost count of the complaints she has made to the council. She cited a gas leak that led to the garden being dug up, a leak from the bath that affected kitchen electrics, and ongoing damp and mould.
"I have been told by an independent contractor that the property is category 1 and 2 for 'high risk cold', so I think something needs to be done. It has had an impact on us mentally and emotionally too," she added.
"I don't have guests around as it is embarrassing because of everything that is going on. Both the girls share a room and we have been told that we would be entitled to a three bedroom but there aren't any that are available."
Council response
A Gateshead Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of the concerns raised by the tenant and have attended the property on several occasions to investigate the issues reported. Following inspections, the boiler and radiators were confirmed to be working as normal, no evidence of an infestation was identified, and minor damp and mould issues have been resolved."
"In addition, all other repairs identified as necessary have been completed. We are continuing to work with the tenant to address any outstanding concerns as quickly as possible and with minimal disruption."
Parkin said last winter the house dropped to about 12 degrees indoors, and she worries it will be the same this year. "It is just a horrific situation to be stuck in," she said.
