Living conditions should never pose a threat to one’s health, but sadly, that was not the case for Shelby Atherton, a young mother forced to endure the horrors of living in a mould and damp ridden housing association flat. As she battled the perils of her living environment, Atherton found herself crying herself to sleep at night, overwhelmed with fear for her one-year-old daughter’s safety.
Atherton, just 20 years old at the time, moved into her two-bedroom flat in Rochdale in October 2023, seeking a fresh start for herself and her child. Little did she know that this seemingly hopeful chapter in their lives would soon turn into a distressing nightmare. A few weeks after settling in, Atherton noticed a distressing issue: mould and damp were rapidly spreading throughout her home.
Mould and damp may seem like mere inconveniences to some, but for Atherton, they posed a significant threat to her and her daughter’s well-being. The appalling living conditions resulted in Atherton spending time in the hospital, struggling to breathe and grappling with incessant sickness. Describing her ordeal, she shared how the mould had become so severe that she couldn’t bear to eat for days, leading to her hospitalization on steroids and antibiotics.
The relentless spread of rot within Atherton’s flat wreaked havoc on their lives. Virtually every room fell victim to this insidious enemy, destroying precious belongings, furniture, carpets, and clothes that held sentimental value. As she faced the aftermath of this dire situation, a heart-wrenching reality became painfully clear – Atherton’s hopes of creating a nurturing home environment for her daughter had been shattered.
With Christmas approaching, Atherton’s desire to make the festive season special for her daughter became a distant dream. Instead of celebrating, the young mother was left in despair, grieving the loss of not just her possessions but also her daughter’s bed – yet another reminder of the devastation caused by mould and damp.
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), Atherton’s landlord, was made aware of the pressing issues she faced. In response to her situation, RBH expressed regret and apologized for the distress Atherton endured. They assured her that efforts were underway to address the repairs urgently, emphasizing the health and well-being of their customers as their primary concern.
RBH’s management of another property had tragic consequences. Two-year-old Awaab Ishak lost his life in December 2020 due to a severe respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould. This devastating loss prompted the government to propose “Awaab’s law,” a set of new legal requirements aimed at holding social landlords accountable. These requirements would ensure prompt investigation of tenant concerns within a fortnight, repairs commencing within a week, and emergency attendance within 24 hours. RBH acknowledged their failings in the case of Awaab Ishak and pledged to learn from this tragedy, vowing to rectify their mistakes.
Faced with the impending repairs, Atherton and her daughter were relocated to temporary accommodation in a local hotel. This respite offered a brief reprieve from the nightmare they had endured. However, Atherton remains haunted by the horrific ordeal endured by Awaab Ishak, leaving her apprehensive about returning to her flat. The fear of losing her daughter to the same health hazards continues to weigh heavily on her mind.
The story of Shelby Atherton serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglected housing. No individual, especially a young mother and her child, should experience such immense suffering due to the negligence of those responsible for safe and habitable living conditions. It is imperative that both landlords and authorities take swift action to rectify such situations, ensuring the well-being and safety of those they are meant to protect. The tragic loss of Awaab Ishak demands accountability and change, so that no more lives are marred by the devastating impact of mould and damp.
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