Living in a safe and comfortable home is something that many of us take for granted. However, for Shelby Atherton, a young mother in Rochdale, this was far from her reality. After moving into a two-bedroom flat in October 2023, Shelby soon discovered that her new home was plagued with a serious mould and damp problem. The consequences of this neglectful housing condition were not only physically detrimental but also emotionally distressing for both Shelby and her one-year-old daughter.
The presence of mould and damp in a home can have severe consequences on one’s health, especially for vulnerable individuals such as young children. Shelby Atherton experienced this firsthand as she found herself constantly choking and being sick due to the hazardous environment she was forced to live in. The mould had such a detrimental effect on her chest that Shelby ended up in the hospital, receiving steroids and antibiotics to treat the health complications caused by the mould. The fear of not knowing if her daughter would wake up the next day paralyzed Shelby, leading to countless nights filled with tears and despair.
The Devastating Loss
Unfortunately, Shelby’s story is not an isolated case. Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who lived in a property managed by the same housing association, tragically lost his life in December 2020 due to respiratory problems caused by prolonged exposure to mould. This heartbreaking incident has sparked discussions around the need for stricter regulations and legal requirements for social landlords to address tenant concerns promptly. The proposed “Awaab’s law” aims to hold housing associations accountable by enabling legal action if they fail to investigate and address mould-related issues within a fortnight.
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), Shelby Atherton’s landlord, expressed their regret over the situation and acknowledged the need to prioritize the health and wellbeing of their tenants. They assured the public that they are working diligently to carry out the necessary repairs as quickly as possible. However, their response raises questions about the effectiveness of their actions and the urgency with which they address such crucial issues. Can we truly trust that RBH will rectify the problem promptly and prevent further harm to their tenants?
Reclaiming a Sense of Normalcy
In the meantime, Shelby and her daughter have been relocated to temporary accommodation in a local hotel. While this may provide some respite from the mould-infested flat, Shelby remains haunted by the tragic fate of Awaab Ishak. The fear and anxiety of returning to a home that may pose a risk to her daughter’s health linger in Shelby’s mind. The emotional toll of losing cherished belongings, such as furniture and clothes, adds to the already overwhelming burden she has had to bear. The road to recovery and rebuilding their lives seems long and arduous.
Shelby Atherton’s story sheds light on the dire consequences of neglectful housing conditions and the urgent need for change. It is not enough for housing associations to simply apologize and promise to learn from their mistakes. Tangible action must be taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Stricter regulations, faster response times, and thorough inspections must become the norm to ensure the safety and wellbeing of tenants across the country.
A Fight for Justice
Shelby Atherton and Awaab Ishak’s stories serve as a reminder that no individual or family should have to endure such distressing living conditions. It is crucial that voices are heard, and that those responsible for maintaining safe and habitable housing are held accountable. The proposed “Awaab’s law” is a step in the right direction, but it is up to lawmakers and society as a whole to ensure that such legislation becomes a reality and is enforced rigorously.
The harrowing experiences of Shelby Atherton and Awaab Ishak expose the dark reality of living in a mould and damp infested flat. The physical and emotional tolls on the individuals affected cannot be overstated. It is time for housing associations and lawmakers to take decisive action to rectify this issue and protect the most vulnerable members of society. No family should have to live in fear of their own home, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this nightmare becomes a thing of the past.