Row between Malvern housing tenant and social landlord

Chrissie Hopcutt, 35, who lives in a ground floor flat on Elgar Avenue in Malvern, has said she has an issue with mould in her home, including under the carpets, making it a difficult place for her to live with her two children.

Chrissie Hopcutt said: “We are sat in a damp living room where you can clearly see the damp even with a carpet and underlay on the floor.

“My son is two and other son is 10. My 2-year-old has to share with me because of the damp in his bedroom.”

Platform Housing has said “no repairs” have been identified.

Marc Mayall, director of operations at Platform Property Care, said: “Our inspector visited her home and offered lifestyle advice; we appointed two independent companies to also inspect the property and report back their findings.

“No repairs were identified but some modifications were suggested.

“Platform have arranged for the modifications to be carried out as soon as is practicably possible given the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.”

One modification is installing insulated plaster boarding to help alleviate any potential cold spots in the room and create a ‘warmer wall’.

READ MORE: ‘I came close to losing my life’ - Malvern woman's messages of support

READ MORE: Foot and mouth 20 years on: businessman recalls the horror

Mr Mayall added: “We can also confirm that Ms Hopcutt has reported back to our team, that since she had been keeping her heating on for longer periods, the condensation levels in her home had dropped quite significantly.

“Our Maintenance inspector did set the heating timer to come on three times per day at a minimum temperature of 16 degrees.

“This was the minimum temperature that the system would not go below.

“Ms Hopcutt remains in full control of her heating system and is able to adjust the temperature upwards to whatever temperature she desires and also to have the system on constant.”

A spokesman for the Platform Housing Group said it “remains fully engaged” with Chrissie.