A FAMILY say they are living in misery as they wait for repairs to their flat.
Geoff Kelly and girlfriend Natasha Lawrence live with their 11-month-old daughter Lilly-May in the damp-riddled property in Carley Road, Southwick.
“It’s horrible,” said Geoff, 22, who works at the Stadium of Light as a steward. “My partner gets down because of the state of the flat.”
The family believe the condition of the £400-a-month flat is causing Lilly-May to suffer from a string of illnesses.
“She’s got tonsilitis, and she was just getting over a chest infection. The doctor says it’s probably related,” said Geoff. “I’ve got asthma, and it’s got worse since I moved in.”
Geoff claims to find slugs and ants on a daily basis in the flat, which has black mould on its walls and ceilings, as well as cracks down the walls and a broken shower.
The family have lived in the property since September 2011, with the problems getting worse.
Geoff’s dad Jim said: “It’s ridiculous. It’s being going on for months now.”
Jim sought advice from Sunderland City Council, which sent an inspector to the property.
Councillor Graeme Miller, responsible for health, housing and adult care, said: “A building surveyor from the housing and neighbourhood renewal team visited the property last year in response to a request for service from the tenant.
“The building surveyor found the property had problems with damp and mildew and other minor repairs, and advice was given to both the landlord and tenant on how the condensation problems could be solved.
“Any tenant who has an issue with housing disrepair should first approach their landlord. If the repairs are not carried out, tenants should contact the team on 520 5555 or at housing.renewal@sunderland.gov.uk.”
Coun Miller said South Hill Properties, which owns the flat, said they would send a builder to the property.
No one from South Hill Properties was unavailable for comment.
Twitter: @SunEchoSteven
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