A MOTHER from Bromsgrove has spoken out about living in a council property affected by mould for almost two years, saying the situation has had a 'serious impact' on her young daughter’s health.
Samantha Hooper, who lives in the Aston Fields area of Bromsgrove, said problems with mould in her home began in 2023 and have continued despite repeated reports to Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT).
“There is mould in every room, on every wall,” she said.
“It smells, it’s on the carpets, and it just feels impossible to escape.”
Samantha said her four-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with asthma and has also suffered from bronchiolitis, which she believes has been worsened by the conditions in the property.
“My daughter is only four,” she said.
“Seeing her struggle and knowing we’re living in mould has been incredibly stressful.”
She explained that council officers and representatives from Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) initially visited the property to assess the issue.
During that visit, she said it became clear the problem was not just internal damp but linked to the external rendering of the building.
BDHT says they are aware of the ongoing issues in Samantha’s property and understand the distress caused.
The housing trust said it carried out full works when the issue was first reported but are sorry that it wasn’t investigated further once it returned.
They added that they are aware that external repairs to the rendering are needed but believe that is not the root cause of the mould.
Samantha said: “They told us the issue was coming from outside.
“So treating the mould inside felt pointless because the cause was never fixed.”
Samantha said mould treatment was carried out, but the problem returned in the summer of 2023 and, despite contacting the council several times, she says no further action was taken to address the underlying cause.
“At one point we were all living in just one room while work was being done,” she said.
“It was so stressful, and then the mould just came back again.”
She described finding mould across floors and walls, adding: “There are slug trails on the living room carpet, mould everywhere, it’s horrible.
“I’ve done everything I can,” she said.
“I just want a safe, healthy home for my child.”
John Whitwam, director of housing & communities of BDHT, said: “We’re very sorry that Ms Hooper has experienced ongoing issues with damp and mould in her home.
“We understand how distressing this can be, especially during the colder months when such problems are more challenging to manage.
“Ms Hooper first reported mould issues in 2023, at which time we investigated fully and carried out repairs and remedial work.
"We understand that she raised concerns about the return of mould some months ago, and we are sorry that the issue was not investigated further.
“When Ms Hooper contacted us again in late December 2025, our Surveyor inspected the property on 31 December and carried out treatment. We will be returning to discuss longer-term solutions that suit her family and home.
“While we recognise that some external repairs to the render are needed, we do not believe this is the root cause of the mould issues in the home.
"These repairs will be arranged when the weather permits in the Spring.
“In the meantime, we will remain in close contact with Ms Hooper to address her concerns and arrange any further work needed to help alleviate the issue she’s facing."
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