My Greater Manchester flat is mouldy but the council keeps fobbing me off - it's because of my age

A 21-year-old man claims he has been “fobbed off” in his bid to get mould removed from his council flat. Jobless Ryan Clorley said he has made repeated complaints over the mould on the walls of the bedroom and bathroom, as well as the doors, but nothing was done to eradicate the problem at his home on Sunningdale Grove, Higher Folds.

“They just keep fobbing me off,” he said. “I think it’s because I’m young and I’m behind on the rent. I’ve had a few personal problems since I worked at McDonald’s and as a labourer on a building site.

“The council repair people said there was nothing more they could do, but I don’t understand why they think people should have to live like this.”

When a reporter visited his home, mould was clearly visible on the walls, doors and on the curtains. Kathryn Perry, assistant director for housing services at Wigan Council, said “As a landlord for more than 21,000 properties, Wigan Council is committed to providing high quality, safe homes for our tenants.

“As part of our maintenance programme, we routinely carry out damp and mould surveys in our properties and work to respond to reports of damp and mould quickly and efficiently, carrying out an anti-fungal wash within 48 hours.

“We have been to Mr Clorley’s home and carried out this initial antifungal treatment, and a further treatment is scheduled.

“A number of repairs were identified which are being carried out, and we will be working with Mr Clorley and specialist advice will be commissioned if needed to ensure this issue is resolved.”