A Barry resident has struggled with issues stemming from what he calls “neglect” towards his council estate.
Paul Horton, 67, has been living in a council flat on Barry Island at Phyllis Street for a number of years and has battled with damp and mouldy conditions for the majority of them.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) he has been faced with “damp, black mould [and a] damp atmosphere”.
Mr Horton has also been suffering from “ill health” including “chest infections” and “skin problems” which he attributes to the conditions in his flat.
Beyond this, Mr Horton said: “There’s such a hole in the tiles above the kitchen, if it rains with a bit of wind, my kitchen wall is a river.
“The kitchen worktop is flooded and I have slugs crawling across the tiling in the kitchen.”
He also said that the amount of “neglect” that Vale of Glamorgan Council had against the housing blocks that form his estate was “glaring”.
Mr Horton said he has complained many times over the years and claimed the following: “Three years ago, I had a telephone conversation with one of the tenant liaison officers, when I asked her why the blocks had been left to degrade as much as they have, she responded instantly to me, she said: ‘Maybe it’s because of the type of people that live in the blocks.’”
He told the LDRS this comment made him feel “categorised” and “part of some sort of a social experiment”.
Mr Horton said that for 12 years he lived in a static caravan before moving to the council house.
He added: “I’d rather live in a caravan than live in this property. I’m so disappointed in the lack of interest towards maintenance, the lack of respect towards me as a tenant – there’s no duty of care.”
Mike Ingram, head of housing and building services for the council, told the LDRS: The council takes all reports of damp and mould seriously and has a clear damp and mould policy, which enables trained officers to assess and address issues when they are reported.
“We are aware of the issues reported at this property and are currently assessing the situation. Any repairs or works identified will be progressed as quickly as possible to ensure the property is safe and comfortable for the tenant.
“In the meantime, we remain in regular contact with the tenant and are working with them to address the concerns they have raised.
“This block is also due to be included in a major upcoming refurbishment programme, which will deliver significant longer-term improvements to the building.”
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