Hythe mum 'worried' for son's health after flat covered in mould

Kirsty Franklin has had to endure a leaking roof, mouldy floors and mouldy walls.

The 28-year-old lives in Hythe with her partner Pete and their three children, Layla, Keira, and Harley. 

She told the Echo how damp and mouldy conditions are now affecting her children's health. 

The skylight in Kirsty's youngest son's room (Image: Kirsty Franklin)

She said: "My youngest son is only five weeks old and was recently in the hospital after having bronchitis. 

"The other day, he was sleeping in his room, and I went to check up on him. 

"He was wet and soaked after water leaked through the skylight in his room." 

Kirsty moved into the property, which is managed by Advance Lettings, in 2018.

However, over the years, she says that the state of the building has deteriorated. 

She added: "He [Harley] is poorly and has a runny and congested nose. I am very worried." 

The house walls are damp and covered in mould (Image: Kirsty Franklin)

Meanwhile, her partner, Pete, has been closely checking and monitoring their son's health every night. 

Kirsty and Pete say that their house is small and overcrowded, and they have nowhere else to put their baby boy. 

Their daughters, Laila, four, and Keira, three, share a bedroom, which is also mould-ridden.

Kirsty said: "Every year we have had to buy a new mattress for our oldest daughter because of the mould and now we are buying the fourth one.

"The carpet under her bed is also very damp and mouldy."

The stress of the poor housing conditions has left the family worried. 

Kirsty and Pete have tried to clean it up themselves multiple times, but the mould keeps growing back. 

They said that they have contacted their housing agency and New Forest District Council but have received no help. 

The house walls are damp and covered in mould (Image: Newsquest)

The couple's concern has increased after the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale. 

The toddler passed away from a respiratory condition that was caused by damp and mouldy conditions.

On this, Kirsty said: "All my kids are young, and it's getting to me now. 

"I am not sure what damage these moulds can cause to the kids, but I am really worried. 
"We have been in touch with our letting agents, but nothing seems to get done.

"It's ridiculous." 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the council said: "We have visited the tenant’s property in accordance with our housing standards responsibilities to maintain tenant safety in the sector.

"The council, with co-operation from the tenant and letting agent, are working closely together to help relieve the issues the family are currently experiencing.”

Advance Lettings has declined to comment.

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