A Wheathampstead resident has spoken out about her council flat that is "riddled with damp, mould and general disrepair".

Dannielle Banfield, of Beech Crescent, had lived in St Albans for her entire life before moving to Wheathampstead in 2014.

Herts Advertiser: Mould near the front door of the Wheathampstead property.Mould near the front door of the Wheathampstead property. (Image: Dannielle Banfield)

After having a daughter, St Albans City & District Council offered her a property in the village.

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She has since had a second child, and the family "have tried unsuccessfully for many years to combat the inhabitable living conditions provided (by the council)".

Herts Advertiser: Mould in the corner of a room in the Wheathampstead property.Mould in the corner of a room in the Wheathampstead property. (Image: Dannielle Banfield)

Dannielle told The Herts Advertiser: "We tried relentlessly to get them to carry out works and address the state of disrepair and causes of mould in the dwelling and the unfit state of the property for human habitation, only to be not taken seriously.

"Approximately a year ago, I began legal action against the council after both my children were diagnosed with chronic asthma and deteriorating health by the day.

Herts Advertiser: The bathroom of the Wheathampstead property.The bathroom of the Wheathampstead property. (Image: Dannielle Banfield)

"I really felt litigation was the only step to make them listen, but sadly a year later, we are still left here living in these conditions with no works booked in, no contact from the council and no care for the wellbeing of its residents."

                                                                                            

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On April 15 last year (2022), Dannielle was involved in a crash which has left her with lasting disabilities.

Herts Advertiser: Mould on the ceiling of the Wheathampstead property.Mould on the ceiling of the Wheathampstead property. (Image: Dannielle Banfield)

She continued: "It was a high speed, head on collision that left me trapped in my vehicle, saying goodbye to my daughter and although by some miracle I survived, has left me disabled for life.

"From that day, I have fought so hard to try and improve our quality of life, after having a second chance at it and i really don’t believe anybody deserves to survive that and have to live this way.

Herts Advertiser: Mould in the bathroom of the Wheathampstead property.Mould in the bathroom of the Wheathampstead property. (Image: Dannielle Banfield)

"I cannot manage this property, they will not rehouse me and I cannot continue to fight a losing battle alone."

When approached for comment, Chris Traill, the council's strategic director for community and place, said: “We cannot comment on the specifics of an ongoing case.

“However, we and our repairs contractor Morgan Sindall are committed to working with our tenants to maintain council properties to high standards and carry our repair work swiftly.

Herts Advertiser: Mould near the toilet of the Wheathampstead property.Mould near the toilet of the Wheathampstead property. (Image: Dannielle Banfield)

“Tackling mould and damp is a priority and we have a policy in place to ensure we treat tenants fairly and comply with best practice.

“We also provide tenants with advice, including an information leaflet, on how to avoid condensation and reduce the risk of mould.

"This includes keeping rooms ventilated and wiping down affected areas with a fungicidal wash.”