Skelmersdale couple fear for health of their baby because of mould in their home

Jan 29 2009 by Michael Byrne, Skelmersdale Advertiser

Anthony Schumann cleans the mouldy walls, watched by his wife Julie and their daughter Georgia

PARENTS of a four-month-old baby fear their Skelmersdale council flat could seriously damage their daughter’s health.

Anthony and Julie Schumann, of Egerton, Tanhouse, claim their home is so damp mould is growing on the walls.

They fear the health of their daughter Georgia could be affected and have a letter from their doctor which states the baby has been suffering from chest infections.

The letter states: “The cause of the problem is due to the dampness in the house which is prolonging the baby’s medical condition.

“In view of the situation it would be advisable for them to move to an alternative property.”

Julie has thrown away clothes which were inside a wardrobe next to a damp wall which became mouldy.

They wash the walls every two days to get rid of the mould. Despite this the council has put them in the lowest bracket for re-housing.

Julie said: “I can’t sleep at night because I am so worried about the effect the damp is having on Georgia’s health. I’m so fed up I’m considering moving to London to live with my mum.”

Anthony added: “The council have told us the problem could be solved by using the heating and extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

“We have the heating on 24 hours a day and use the extractor fans when we are cooking and washing. But the walls are still damp.

“The council said we should have the extractor fans on all the time but we shouldn’t have to do that.

“I’m not working at the moment and can’t afford to get a deposit to rent a private house.

“I had hoped to start a new job soon but the health of our daughter comes first and if we have to move down to London to protect her then that is what we will do.”

The couple moved in to the flat in May 2008 and Julie noticed the damp on the walls when they were re-decorating. West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has been writing to the council on their behalf.

A council spokesman said: “We understand the Schumann family’s baby daughter suffers from chest infections but the council must reiterate that there is nothing wrong with the property they live in.

“We have advised Mr Schumann that he must use the heating, extractor fans and open the windows to alleviate the condensation.

“However, when we inspected the property he had not been doing this and had actually been causing further condensation.”