Teenage mum hits out at cramped housing

3:48pm Tuesday 20th February 2007

Comments (1)   Have your say »

A PREGNANT teenage mother says she fears for her children's wellbeing because of the poor condition of her Fosseway home.

Amy Gibson, 19, lives with her partner Steve Ranford, 29, and their eight-month-old daughter Jessica in a one-bedroom flat in Chesterton, Cirencester.

The flat is afflicted by serious damp problems which Amy says she fears will affect her daughter's health.

To compound the matter she has to climb stairs to get to the first floor flat in Gibson Court which she says she struggles with when she has her daughter and children's buggy.

Amy, who is six months pregnant, said the situation will just get worse when she gives birth to her second child.

She said: "I have no idea what to do if we dont get moved in the near future and I will have two children here. I dont understand how I am supposed to get shopping with two children to carry up the stairs. If I want to go shopping I have to lock them in the flat or car while I take shopping up stairs."

Amy also says the situation is putting pressure on her relationship with partner.

They believe the situation has happened because they had rent arrears in 2005. That led to them being down-graded from a high priority case and despite clearing the arrears, there rating has never been upgraded.

Amy explained: "The council said they couldn't move us because of our rent arrears. Now we have no arrears and they still won't move us.

"We have had social services and my health visitor write letters to them but to no prevail."

"Its hard for us because we don't have our own space."

Christine Gibson, Housing Services Manager at Fosseway, said they would be happy to speak with Amy about the cramped conditions.

She added: "The issue of damp has been addressed following an inspection carried out on January 24 . The inspection was followed up by us scheduling a job to fit a ventilation unit. This is due for completion by March 27."

"If Miss Sidley would like to discuss her case with a her housing officer or a member of our Homeview Team they will be happy to advise her further."