Shireen Akhtar and the mould in her home on the Regent’s Park Estate

A MOTHER living in a flat plagued with damp, mould and dust says she and her children feel unsafe, and she accuses the Town Hall of failing to adequately rehouse her family, even after one of her children was recently hospitalised.

Shireen Akhtar, who lives on the Regent’s Park Estate, said her family of seven have been trapped in “uninhabitable” conditions since moving into the three-bedroom property in Mackworth House in 2022.

She said the property has had severe issues with mould since they moved in.

All of her children have respiratory issues, and her 7-year-old son was hospitalised last winter after struggling to breathe.

“I thought my son wasn’t going to make it. Every time I recall that moment, I think no one should be put through this,” said Ms Akhtar. “His asthma has got worse, he is severely allergic to dust. His cough has been worsening at night. It can last anything from 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half, to the point you can hear him wheezing.”

The conditions inside Ms Akhtar’s flat

Ms Akhtar said the council continues to wash and repaint the affected walls, but that the mould repeatedly returns without a thorough investigation into the cause.

The family have stopped using one room in the property, where her daughter used to sleep after her health worsened.

Ms Akhtar said the council deemed the room uninhabitable in 2023.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the mould in there, I actually felt guilty. How could I let my daughter sleep in there? I am the one who made my daughter worse?” said Ms Akhtar.

“I get scared to wake up in the morning, thinking who do I get onto now? The mould team? Complaints? Camden? Housing officers? Councillors? My MP?

“I said to my housing officer that I feel like a pest. That’s how they are making me feel – where is my right to live with dignity, with honour… where is my right to live in a safe environment with my kids where they feel safe?”

Ms Akhtar’s GP has warned that damp is impacting her children’s health

Letters seen by the New Journal from Ms Akhtar’s GP support her application to be rehoused, warning that cold, damp and mouldy living conditions can significantly impact children’s health and worsen respiratory issues affecting several of her children.

Further letters from a clinical psychologist state concerns that the family’s living conditions are continuing to affect their health.

Works are currently being carried out at the property, but Ms Akhtar said dust produced during the stripping of paint has exacerbated her son’s asthma.

“I felt manipulated to take this property, compelled and forced, because they said if I do not take it I will be going back into one bedroom and I’ll be there for 10 or 15 years,” she said.

A Camden Council spokesperson said: “We take reports of damp and mould very seriously and have been in regular contact with this family about their situation and their home.

“We’ve carried out multiple inspections and an independent survey, and have completed works to treat and further prevent damp and mould – including installing external insulation, replacing extractor fans, and redecorating the home.

“We’re continuing to support the family with their housing needs and we understand their concerns.”