Flat in Berrymill Close, Bognor, was flooded on August bank holiday

Mike Blackman and his family woke up to find water from a neighbouring flat was dripping from the ceiling and down the walls.

Mr Blackman says continuing to live in the flat, in Berrymill Close, Bognor Regis, will harm his four-year-old daughter, Scarlett-Rose.

Mike, Scarlett-Rose and Stacey.

The family were offered emergency accommodation, but say it was not suitable as they need to be on the ground floor because Scarlett-Rose struggles to walk.

Scarlett-Rose was meant to start at reception yesterday but instead the family have had to move to Portsmouth to stay with relatives.

Mr Blackman said: "I’ve had my GP write a letter now, basically saying we can’t live in the flat because of my daughter’s health, it will just make her sick, it will actually make me sick.

"We have got her specialist writing letters to the council now.”

Mr Blackman has been in touch with the council since the flat flooded on August 27.

The incident happened on August 27.

The council offered emergency accommodation in a second flat which was nearer the ground floor.

However, the family declined both because they need either lift access or a ground-floor flat for Scarlett-Rose.

As well as Scarlett-Rose starting reception, Mr Blackman's partner Stacey Horne, 31, is supposed to be starting a new job.

Mr Blackman, who works as a facilities manager, told The Argus he’s been living in the flat alone with their dog, while his daughter and girlfriend have lived temporarily at various family member’s houses.

Mr Blackman said he has already temporarily rehomed their cat and the council suggested rehoming their dog too.

He said: “We just want to be together, have our whole family together. I’ve already had to rehome our cat to one of my family for the short term.

“I know that flat is going to take probably about a month to dry out before they carry out any repairs and they’re on about ‘well just put your dog in a kennel or a dog’s trust’.

The flooding seeped through the ceilings and down the walls.

“I think it’s completely broken me if I’m honest. I have got severe depression and severe anxiety anyway which the council have been made aware of with our housing situation before this. Being split up from my family every day is horrible.”

Mr Blackman and his family are reuniting today for the week at another family member’s house, but they do not know when they will be able to return to their home.

As well as water damage to the bedrooms, hallway and cupboard, a report has confirmed low levels of asbestos on all the ceilings inside the flat.

The family has got multiple organisations involved, including the Brighton Housing Trust, who are offering legal advice.

Arun District Council say the flat is in a liveable condition and have provided dehumidifiers to dry out the property.

The council is continuing to search for emergency accommodation.

A spokeswoman said: “Following the incident on Friday [August 27], the council have been liaising closely with the family to assist them.

“Dehumidifiers have been provided to dry out the affected areas. The property has been inspected and is considered fit for habitation. Emergency accommodation was initially offered at the family’s request which they refused as they did not feel it was suitable.

“We will continue to liaise with the family and provide assistance, where appropriate.”

The council has also said they will speak to an upstairs neighbour to discuss his behaviour and the impact it has had on Mr Blackman's family.

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