Mum left 'terrified of cooker blowing up' demands compensation

A housing association has apologised to a mum-of-two - after she complained about a 'leaking bathroom' putting her cooker out of action. Victoria Appleyard moved into her £433-a-month Blackshaw Moor property in February 2020.

But she says her cooker has been out of action at the Bluestones Close property due to a 'leak from the bathroom'. It comes as Victoria is also complaining about 'damp and mould' in the property which she is linking it to her vertigo and gout.

The 49-year-old said: “I've lost count of how many workmen have traipsed up and down these stairs to look at a leaking bathroom. Even in the night I’ve sat waiting for them to come because I was terrified of the cooker blowing up when it first happened, as you would be when it’s dripping on the electrics. I was terrified. I’ve got myself and two kids and I’ve got to keep them safe. There has to be some kind of compensation. The kitchen needs a new floor and a new cooker and that's just for starters."

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Staffs Housing says there is no evidence of damp or mould in the property. It agreed to replace the bathroom.

Staffs Housing assets and contracts manager Neil Riley said: “We are currently in the process of replacing Victoria’s wetroom. Following Victoria’s report of a leak, a property survey found no evidence of this, or of any damp and mould in the property.

“We then carried out a further investigation of the wetroom which also showed no leaks and that the room was watertight which made it difficult to diagnose a solution. We have agreed to replace the wetroom entirely.

“We have apologised to Victoria for the delay but confirm that our latest property survey showed no signs of damp and mould. We encourage Victoria, and any of our customers, to get in touch if they spot any signs of damp and mould.”

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