A young family is relieved to hear they are being relocated after months of living in mould infested emergency housing.

Care leaver Hailie Welsh, 18, was living in semi-independent housing up until she discovered she was pregnant. To accommodate for their new arrival, she, and her boyfriend, 20, were moved into emergency housing in St James’s Street in Kemp Town in late March. They welcomed a daughter in May.

She said although things initially “seemed fine”, issues quickly arose.

She said: “We noticed the paint was peeling on the ceilings and walls, so the caretaker came and scraped off the chipped paint. He then uncovered rotten wood and black mould underneath. Every time it rains, the walls get damp, and it still hasn’t been repaired.”

As well as black mould and chronic damp, the couple say wood louse, ants and slugs have all made unwanted appearances.

Hailie’s boyfriend has experienced breathing problems while living in the accommodation, and the couple fear the impact on the health of their five-month-old.

Within weeks, the paint on the walls and ceilings was flaking and revealed rotten wood underneathWithin weeks, the paint on the walls and ceilings was flaking and revealed rotten wood underneath (Image: Submitted) After The Argus contacted Brighton and Hove City Council they were informed they will be rehoused elsewhere, but feel the council was too slow to take action.

Hailie said: “We should have been moved months ago but the council failed us. How they think that this is okay is beyond me – I wouldn’t even let an animal live in here.”

Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet member for Housing and New Homes, said: “We are aware of a leak at this property and we have identified alternative temporary accommodation for the family elsewhere in the city.

“This property is ready for the family to view as soon as they are available to do so.

“Our team agreed a programme of works after concerns were raised with us and during a welfare visit to the family on 24 October it was confirmed some of this work had been completed.

 “There is some extra work needed which we cannot carry out until we have the permission of the neighbour as it involves their property as well.

 “Once we have this permission, the work will be completed, and the property will be fully vetted before re-letting.

 “As with all residents in emergency accommodation, we will continue to support this family in whatever way we can.”