Seriously ill Buxton mum in ‘mouldy’ house offered ‘filthy’ alternative

Michelle Whyatt, 58, suffers from intestinal failure, osteoporosis, COPD, dysphasia, sarcoidosis and associated kidney and heart problems.

Seriously ill Michelle now depends on a hospital drip machine in her home for nutrition - however damp conditions in her Fairfield property have started to damage the vital equipment.

This month Michelle was shown a new council house in Glossop but was shocked to discover cracks and holes in its exterior walls and ‘filthy’ wallpaper.

Nurses responsible for her care at Salford Royal Hospital say the property is unsuitable for someone with her health problems, however Michelle has waited 13 years to find another home and fears she will be forced to stay in her present accommodation if she turns it down.

Michelle’s son Gavin Howell, 32, told how all of his mother’s furniture had been damaged after a decade spent in the rotting Fairfield house and none of the decaying fixtures would survive a move.

Gavin claims High Peak Borough Council say his mother will have to move into the new property before repairs begin.

He said: “Even the sheets on mum’s bed are mouldy so they offered her this house in Glossop but there’s cracks in the walls and it’s filthy.

“Her nurses are not happy at all because being in that house at all - especially with renovation work going on - will affect mum’s lungs.

“They don’t want medical equipment in there until it’s all sorted out but they aren’t giving us much time to move in.

“These repairs should be done before anyone moves into the property - especially when we’re talking about someone with complex health needs like my mum.”

A High Peak Borough Council spokesperson said: “We have been working with this family to address their needs and this property was allocated to them in recognition of this.

"At the point they were given the keys the property was clean if a little dated in terms of decor.

"We have arranged for a surveyor to attend to clarify any additional works needed.”

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.