A Sutton mother struggles daily with mould and a broken lift, fearing for her son’s health in their unsuitable flat
Sutton: A mum of three is really worried about her living situation. She’s dealing with mould and a lift that’s always broken in her flat. It’s a tough spot, especially since her son has serious health issues.
Miss Gater moved into her one-bedroom flat eight years ago, hoping it would be a good place for her family. But now, with her eldest son’s health problems, climbing four flights of stairs is a nightmare. The mouldy walls make it even worse.
Her son often gets out of breath and has even been sick after climbing those stairs. It’s scary for her, and she’s been told she’s not a high enough priority to get moved. She said it could take 20 years to get a new place, and that’s just not acceptable.
After her son was born with health issues, the problems in the flat became clear. He has a cleft lip and palate, and he’s had pneumonia and heart problems. Climbing those stairs is a real challenge for him, especially since the lift is often out of order.
Recently, he had a heart block and had to rush to the hospital for surgery. Doctors advised Miss Gater that he should avoid stairs altogether, which makes their living situation even more urgent.
She’s got letters from doctors saying her son needs a safe home after surgery, but the daily struggle of carrying her kids and bags up those stairs is overwhelming. Plus, the mould in the flat is a huge concern. It’s everywhere, and the small windows don’t help with ventilation.
While the housing provider has tried to fix the mould, Miss Gater feels it’s just a temporary solution. She’s taken matters into her own hands because waiting for help takes too long. It’s frustrating and scary for her as a mum.
She worries about her son’s health every day. They all sleep in one room, and until recently, there was a gap in the window that made her nervous about her kids falling out. After a long fight, the gap was finally filled, but she still feels the flat isn’t safe.
Despite her efforts to show that the flat isn’t suitable, she’s been told she doesn’t have a high enough priority for a move. Even when offered another property, it’s not on the ground floor, which could still be risky for her son.
Miss Gater just wants a ground-floor place with parking for her disabled kids, but she feels like no one is listening. An MTVH spokesperson said they’re concerned about her living conditions and are working to help her family.
They’ve offered her a different three-bedroom home nearby and are looking into ways to improve her current situation. Sutton Council also expressed sympathy for her situation and is in touch with her about her application for a council home.