For 17 years, a South London woman has described her life as being stuck in a "bad dream," trapped in a council flat plagued by severe damp, dangerous mould, and recurring electrical faults.
Norah Mensah, a resident of Southwark, has been on the council's housing transfer list for 15 years but remains in a property she believes is unfit for human habitation, fearing for her and her daughter's health and safety.
A Constant State of Fear
The nightmare escalated recently when Norah was woken by her fire alarms. Rushing to silence them, she was met with a "massive bang" and the smell of burning as water trickled down her walls.
The London Fire Brigade attended the scene, and Norah recalls the lead firefighter being alarmed by the extensive black mould visible throughout her home. He told her, "it's not right you're breathing this in" – a statement that continues to haunt her.
Norah accuses Southwark Council of failing to address the root cause of the problems, claiming any repairs conducted are merely superficial "patch up" jobs. A surveyor has previously indicated the issues are structural.
Health Deterioration and Electrical Dangers
The impact on their wellbeing has been severe. Norah believes her daughter's asthma was directly caused by the damp and mould, which has infested furniture, toys, and clothing.
Doctors and counsellors have raised concerns about their health, which Norah says the council is aware of. The physical environment also poses immediate physical threats.
Norah reports multiple near-electrocutions, including an incident where sparks flew from a plug socket while she was hoovering. Leaks have become so frequent and severe that she has resorted to wearing a raincoat and using an umbrella inside her own kitchen.
"The flat’s not safe, it really isn't," Norah stated. "I don't sleep, I don't know how to relax any more because I'm worried, I'm constantly worried."
15 Years on a Waiting List
Despite being on the housing transfer list since 2010 and making applications on medical grounds, Norah remains on the lowest priority banding. Southwark Council acknowledges a waiting list of over 20,000 residents.
Over the years, sentimental items worth "thousands" have been destroyed by mould, forcing her to discard them. Her remaining belongings are packed in plastic bags and boxes, ready for a move that never seems to come.
She feels her pursuit of legal action for repairs and a personal injury claim for their health has negatively impacted the council's urgency to rehouse her.
Norah is now being supported by the community union Acorn, which is demanding the council move her to a safe home immediately. A spokesperson for Acorn said they were "appalled" by the conditions and the treatment Norah has received.
In response, Councillor Michael Situ, Cabinet Member for Council Homes, said the council's priority is for all residents to have a safe, decent home. He confirmed a specialist Damp and Mould Team is working with Norah as a priority to complete repairs.
However, Norah insists the flat is beyond repair. "I haven't had any enjoyment in this flat," she said. "The fact I won personal injury for myself and my daughter on health grounds and I'm still here is beggars belief."
