Fury as ill pensioner forced to live in flat INFESTED with black mould
A PENSIONER with part of his lung removed has been living in a black mould infested flat for nine months.
Mr Yarde said: “The mould first appeared in the bedroom and then it rapidly spread. It's gone up the walls to the ceilings.
“I had part of my lung removed two years ago because I had cancer.
“When the mould got worse I spoke to my doctors who said to not to touch and to stay away as far away from it as possible because it's black and really dangerous.
“I'm sleeping on the couch because it's all over the bedroom walls, which is very uncomfortable.
“Most of my electrical items have had to be unplugged because of the damp and there's a leak in the kitchen.”
Mr Yarde, who has been renting from the Hyde group for 20 years, said he has always been a reliable and loyal tenant.
Forced to give up his job as an industrial engineer due to ill health, he says he fears for his wellbeing.
He said: “I’m afraid that I might wake up one morning and find myself dead.
“I know that's impossible but I'm really worried for my health. The flat is falling apart.
“Hyde was supposed to come and do something about it but have done nothing.
“I kept complaining but they just don't care. They keep promising things but never do anything.”
My Yarde said he contacted both his MP and Macmillan aftercare who wrote to Hyde on his behalf.
“They said they need to sort temporary accommodation for me to move into while they do the work - but I'm still here.
“I just want my flat back, it's been my home for twenty years. I like living here.”
Reluctant to ask friends for help with his washing and cooking, Mr Yarde has instead has been splashing cash on takeaways.
He said: “I am a proud and independent man. I don't like to depend on other people to make my food and help me out with washing.
“I have forked out about £270 on takeaways since October which is a lot of money and not good for me.“
Audrey Williamson, Hyde Group's head of housing, said: “We would like to apologise to Mr Yarde for the delay to his repairs.
"We are trying to progress this as soon as we can.
“To complete the repairs we need to temporarily re-house both residents for a short period of time.
“We will continue to work with the resident above to find suitable accommodation that meets their needs so these works can be undertaken as soon as possible.”