Copyright inverness-courier
An Inverness mother who has spent months pleading for help over mould in her council property says the temporary home she has been moved to is also showing signs of the problem. Kayleigh Ross, whose struggle with mould and damp in her Highland Council home has previously been highlighted by the Inverness Courier, has now been offered temporary accommodation in a two-bedroom house on Dunain Road. However, after visiting the property ahead of her planned move, she said she found what appears to be mould in the new house - and fears the same issues have followed her. “I went in over the weekend to see what space I had and have found evidence of black mould which they have failed to even try and clean,” she said. “The place has been painted too so makes me wonder if they’ve just painted over other black mould to try and hide it. “It’s a lovely house but as soon as I saw that I panicked,” she added. “It’s been a really hard weekend. I just couldn’t hold it together.” Ms Ross said she is worried the temporary property could end up being “just the same” as the home she left. “I don’t know whether to keep the move going or not move anything,” she said. “I really am lost at what I should do.” Local MSP Ariane Burgess described the situation as “nothing short of disgraceful” and called on the council to find more suitable temporary accommodation. She also urged a review of the council’s inspection processes for temporary housing, saying no child should have their health endangered by sub-standard accommodation. The Green MSP added: “Issues like this have been coming up all too often. I have helped several constituents with severe damp and mould in Highland Council-run accommodation. Clearly, the systems it has in place are not fit for purpose. “Damp and mould are not just maintenance issues - they are serious public health concerns. So, it is deeply troubling that complaints about these twin issues are on the rise across Highland Council’s housing stock. She welcomed recent council pledges to improve housing but warned that “it is vital that its pledge to tenants is matched with prompt and effective action.” She also called for greater support from the Scottish Government, including funding for councils to repair housing stock and enforce duties on private landlords, as part of measures like Awaab’s Law for Scotland. “I’ll continue to hold both the Council and the Scottish Government to account to ensure every home in the Highlands is safe, warm, and healthy,” Ms Burgess said. Highland Council says they are unable to comment on individual housing matters, however a spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the decant property was subject to our standard relet procedures and is fit for occupation. “The Highland Council takes all reports of damp and mould seriously and officers have been in contact with the tenant and some discoloured silicone will be replaced.” Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.
