Selwood Housing resident left in 'unviable' home after leak

Russel Ketley, who lives in the village of Chitterne between Devizes and Salisbury, has been sleeping in his living room since a leak in the block of four Selwood Housing-owned maisonettes where he lives.

The leak occurred in his neighbour's home in late January, but Mr Ketley says water has leaked through the walls and created significant damp areas in his property.

This has begun to create mould on the walls and Mr Ketley’s possessions, sparking fears for the asthmatic 53-year-old’s health.

He said: “The lack of maintenance on the building caused the leak next door and now it’s soaked through the wall making my property damp.

“I’ve been left in a property where I haven’t slept in the bedroom since January because of the mould.

“I’ve had massive asthma attacks and a constant chest infection, and even had to call an ambulance.”

Russel Ketley (Image: Russel Ketley)

In response to a formal complaint by Mr Ketley, Selwood Housing told him there were no outstanding repairs against his home but added they would send a property surveyor to inspect the situation.

The housing association told Mr Ketley a number of factors could have caused the initial flooding in the adjoining flats.

Mr Ketley is keen to remain in his home and has requested that Selwood Housing carry out repairs and improvements to make it “adequate.”

But staff informed him that no modernising works would be undertaken at the property and that his property is one they would look to sell because it would be “commercially unviable” to carry out improvement works.

They added they would work with Mr Ketley to find him a new home.

Mr Ketley says the uncertainty over his future living situation is causing him stress.

Russel Ketley (Image: Russel Ketley)

He added: “They just don’t want to know, but they should have to fix and modernise the place.

“It’s their responsibility to upkeep their housing stock and make it liveable, I’m worried because I don’t know what will happen.”

A spokesperson for the housing association said: “We received a formal complaint from Mr Ketley on April 3, 2024, which included issues related to damp and mould following a water leak at a neighbouring property.

“This complaint is now being fully investigated by Selwood Housing.

“We take concerns around damp and mould very seriously and have a dedicated team who will visit the customer’s home to carry out a thorough investigation.”