Thurrock Council scheme to tackle mould in council houses making progress (From Thurrock Gazette)

Pilot estate on Flowers Estate in South Ockendon seen 300 residents so far

4:00pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Emma Thomas

A SCHEME to rid council houses of damp and mould is making progress.

Thurrock Council has been running a pilot scheme on the Flowers Estate in South Ockendon since last August.

Since then, more than 300 visits have been made, 218 ventilation units have been serviced and 25 new units have been installed.

Gaye Atkins, who lives in Rosemary Close, had huge problems with damp and mould since they moved into the property six years ago.

She said: "There was damp and mould all over the bathroom and bedrooms and it was just getting worse.

“The council carried out an inspection of our home and installed a heat recovery unit in the living room.

"I don't get windows covered in steam every time I cook which I use to have, all the mould has completely gone and I feel like I have my home back again. I am so pleased with the difference it has made and anyone who is having these problems should contact the council."

Val Morris-Cook, councillor responsible for housing, said: "Our contractors are finding that where ventilation units have been serviced or installed, the signs of damp and mould have significantly reduced which is very reassuring.

"We want to make sure that we inspect all homes in this pilot scheme. There are still quite a number of properties that we have not been able to gain access to.

Any tenants who have not been contacted can arrange an appointment by calling 01375 413805 or email SouthOckendonHousingTeam@thurrock.gov.uk.