Amber James, 25, was awoken to a “huge crashing sound” when her kitchen ceiling fell in at 4.30am on Monday at her flat in Hollingbury, Brighton – despite reporting the mould on multiple occassions
A mum was left ‘shell-shocked’ when her mould-infested ceiling collapsed in her flat, despite numerous warnings to the council. Amber James, 25, was jolted awake by a “massive crashing noise” as her kitchen ceiling gave way at 4.30am on Monday.
The terrified mum immediately dashed into her four year old son’s room to ensure he was safe and sound, still snoozing in his bed. Photos shared by Amber from Hollingbury, Brighton, reveal a gaping hole in the kitchen ceiling, with exposed rafters and debris scattered across the sink and hob.
Amber, who also has a one year old, had previously flagged up severe black mould and damp issues within the property “multiple times”.
She recounted: “I was awoken by the loudest cracking then a massive crashing sound at 4:30am 4th of August. I ran straight into my son’s room to check if he was okay and luckily he was still asleep and safe in his bed.
“Then I realised what the noise was and had to force the kitchen door open and saw this. I was in total shock and started crying at the thought of what could’ve happened if me or my sons were in the kitchen when this happened.”
Amber reported the leak and mould issues in her kitchen ceiling to Brighton and Hove Council for the first time on May 13. Council contractors visited the property on June 17, according to Amber.
However, Amber alleges that the workers merely washed and painted over the affected area without addressing the root cause of the problem.
She further stated that on 30 June, she reported the reappearance of mould through the recently applied paint (17 June). A week later, a supervisor visited and allegedly declared the damp and mould “safe”, according to Amber.
“I’m so disgusted by the council allowing it to get this far after I’ve reported it multiple times,” she expressed.
Amber, who has resided in the council flat for two and a half years, claims her son has suffered numerous health problems, including being prescribed an asthma pump. With no alternative accommodation, Amber has temporarily moved into her mother’s house.
She explained: “I’ve been able to stay at my mum’s house as my younger sister is away until Wednesday so me and my sons are sleeping in her room all in one double bed. I’ve had no contact from the council regarding where I’m supposed to stay and still trying to get answers from them.”
Brighton and Hove Council have been contacted for a response.
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