A DESPERATE Clydebank woman is pleading with West Dunbartonshire Council to get her sister and nephew rehoused as they battle against severe mould and no heating.

For the past two years Caroline McEwan and her 23-year-old son have been living in “unbearable” conditions in her top floor high-rise flat in Kilbowie Court, according to Caroline’s sister Elaine.

Elaine said her sister, who has learning difficulties, has been forced to live with black mould growing from the living room and complete coldness after the heating system stopped working.

The ceiling is falling apart

The ceiling is falling apart

She said: “It is just unfair and very unhealthy circumstances to be in. The house is always freezing and so damp. Her son can’t sleep in it.

“She has OCD and bad back pain so it is really affecting her.

“She was born and bred in Clydebank but she is so miserable and unhappy living here.

“When she first moved in, it was the summer, and you wouldn’t have known anything different because it was well-painted.

“It is just an awful place to live. She totally hates the place. As soon as you walk into the building the smell is horrendous. How can anyone be happy living here?”

Elaine said a council official offered Caroline a temporary home a few months ago, but it was unsuitable for her needs.

 

She also told the Post her sister had experienced problems with some of her neighbours.

Elaine added: “The housing did offer her another little house at the bottom of the hill, but it is no good to her because it is for homeless people.

“We have had no phone calls or nothing. I got in touch with the council a few days ago and someone told me to get in touch with Clydebank Housing Assoociation.

“I just thought ‘what’s the point? I know no one will respond to us’.”

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: “We are sorry this tenant is unhappy. As soon as we were made aware of the water ingress at the property, we arranged for an inspection and scheduled repairs to the roof, which are due to be completed by the end of May. We are also investigating an intermittent blockage in the bathroom basin and any required repairs will be undertaken.

“The tenant has been offered an alternative home for her own convenience while these works are ongoing, however this was refused.

“We will continue to provide support and assistance until this matter is resolved, including liaising with the tenant on her request to be rehomed where a property of the specific type and location becomes available.”