Norwich woman's concerns over mould in Clarion Housing flat

Geraldine Lefevre, 50, has lived in the ground floor, two-bedroom flat in Clover Court, Clover Road, Norwich, owned by Clarion Housing Association, for the past six years and first complained about mould four years ago.

She said a Clarion contractor took up the carpet, cleaned the walls and put up a new layer over the wall, which she claims she had to redecorate.

But apart from that and a "quick visit" from Clarion on November 24, 2022, the Jarrold kitchen porter said the housing provider has not responded properly to her multiple requests to her concerns over the damp living conditions which she believes has made her health worse.

Mould on a piece of furniture in Geraldine Lefevre's home in Norwich (Image: Geraldine Lefevre)

Mrs Lefevre was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which causes breathing difficulties before the mould problem started but was worried about its long-term impact on her and her husband's health.

She said: "I bought a £1,600 storage bed and mould is underneath it. There is mould on my suitcases on top of my wardrobe and clothes inside my wardrobe. All my shoes are destroyed, even my leather ones. I have to wash my shoes before I wear them.

Mould on a pair of Geraldine Lefevre's shoes (Image: Geraldine Lefevre)

"The mould is all over the window in the bedroom.

"My husband and I have both got a steroid inhaler and my body comes out in spots. I have gone to the doctors with itchy eyes."

READ MORE: Norwich City Council ordered to pay compensation over mould

She added they have spent money on dehumidifiers and air purifier and thinks the damp is caused by the property being in a dip.

Mrs Lefevre said: "It is unbearable. I want compensation because everything has been destroyed. I have slept on my sofa because of the mould."

Mould in Geraldine Lefevre's home in Norwich (Image: Geraldine Lefevre)

A Clarion spokeswoman said: “We are really sorry that despite our previous attempts to prevent the mould in Ms Lefevre’s home, the issue is persisting. We are committed to permanently resolving this problem.

"Unfortunately, the system recommended following a survey by our expert consultants was declined by Ms Lefevre, so we are exploring alternative options Ms Lefevre would find acceptable.”