WHEN a toddler died in a damp Rochdale home, promises were made.
But three years later, people still living in similar properties across the town claim they are dealing with just as much damp and mould inside their houses as they were back then.
Earlier this week, frustrated tenants of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) filled out the White Lion pub in Rochdale town centre and revealed the everyday problems they have to endure in their homes.
It comes more than three years on from the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died due to exposure to damp and mould in an RBH home.
Bosses at the housing association promised change and said they would work to improve the quality of homes under their management. But, in a packed Rochdale pub, exasperated residents outlined the conditions they are still living in and they say the issues are now worse, not better.
Those gathered in the back room of the White Lion all had similar stories of suffering at the hands of damp conditions in their own homes.
Lisa Smith, who helped to organise the event, spoke about her daughter’s battle to get mould problems in her own RBH home fixed.
She said: “My daughter and my granddaughter moved property in October and it was all freshly painted, but within a couple of weeks things started not looking right. Then she kept an eye on it and then when it came up (the mould), she reported it and reported it.
“She was saying this is really bad, is my baby going to die as well? We ended up having to take her to hospital.
“I did a post on Facebook later on that went viral and then the next thing I know I had the RBH boss on the phone saying they need to do an inspection. They’ve emptied it and done more work than originally planned – so it must have been a right state.
This story is from the January 14, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 14, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Howhasit come to this for Pep's 500th game?
PEP Guardiola should be in the ultimate honeymoon period.
No surprise McAtee eyes exit in January
CITY and James McAtee both made clear that they wanted to make things work this season. Despite City's title defence crumbling around him, however, McAtee has had a front row seat to the season rather than an active role.
Maguire risks ban in Magpies fixture
UNITED know they will be without several key players when they return to Premier League action to face Newcastle.
'I want to make history at United'
AMAD Diallo 'wants to make history' with United as he aims to help Ruben Amorim turn around the club's fortunes.
Sutton tips 'rubbish' Reds to lose
NEWCASTLE United will make it four wins in a row when they take on United because Ruben Amorim's side are 'rubbish'.
United have to face up to Old Trafford nerves
HOW will the nerves be tomorrow night then? In the wake of Manchester United's pre-Christmas defeat to Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim identified nervousness and anxiety as a problem to be overcome, for his team and the supporters.
Ronaldo 'will be owner of big club'
UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to buy a football club after he retires from professional football.
Council tax needs overdue overhaul
WHILE festive shoppers have been deciding what to buy in the last few weeks, under-pressure local politicians across Northern England are weighing up which public services they can still afford to run.
Claims of a 'fix' with no elections due in 2025
THERE will be no elections held in Greater Manchester in 2025.
Family takes on DIY SOS to build a home for Gary
THE family of a man left disabled after suffering a stroke say they've been left 'blown away' by people's kindness after deciding to build a specially adapted house for him to live in.