A FAMILY whose home was deemed unsafe have moved back in only to discover they have no heating or hot water.

As previously reported in your Worcester News, Craig Bennett, his partner Clare Jones, aged 18, and their 18-month-old son Tyler first moved into a flat in Laslett Street, Rainbow Hill, in July.

After discovering many of the electric sockets were not earthed and did not work properly Worcester City Council moved them into emergency accommodation while the private landlord of the home made it safe.

The family moved back to their home on Thursday, February 14, but Mr Bennett said the situation was even worse than before.

"It has been terrible," said the 23-year-old.

"We haven't had hot water or heating, some of the plug sockets don't work and we have got mice as there are lots of droppings everywhere. I don't even want to put the baby down near the floor."

Tyler is on a course of antibiotics for a chest infection and Mr Bennett is diabetic. Mr Bennett, who is seeking employment, said he had rung the council to report the problems.

City councillor Paul Denham said he had serious concerns for the young family, especially in the cold weather.

In a letter he sent to John Wrightson, head of urban environment at the city council, Coun Denham said: "It seems to me that the council is seriously failing in its duty of care to this vulnerable young family.

"I do appreciate that suitable housing is in very short supply but if we cannot find rented accommodation which is safe to occupy for a young family with a baby - ie. one which housing officers would themselves be prepared to occupy in similar circumstances - then bed and breakfast is the only answer despite the additional cost to the council."

Amanda Mobbs, principal housing initiatives officer for Worcester City Council, said an unearthed socket had been made safe and invited Mr Bennett to contact them about any further problems.

"He was given a call out number over the weekend to call if there was any more problems," she said."We are in limbo now as we are waiting for his call. We would put his family into a B&B again"