Greenock mum with lung disease could die in damp-ridden flat

Deborah Marshall - who has had to be treated in a high dependency ward during her time in the property - has been pleading with River Clyde Homes for TWO YEARS over the 'appalling' condition of the place, her mum Agnes says.

But the housing association - responsible for more than 6,000 properties across the district - has consistently failed to re-home 41-year-old Deborah.

Meanwhile, a consultant respiratory physician who has treated the mum-of-three, of Lyle Street, has warned that she could become 'at risk of death'.

Deborah's desperate mother, Agnes Marshall, 65, of Barnhill Street, said: "My daughter has been left in a house that is killing her, every single day.

"She has been living in her bedroom for the last two years because the dampness is everywhere. It started in the living room but it is now in the kitchen and the bathroom.

"I have said to River Clyde Homes officers when they have come out here, 'Would you live in a house like this, would this be acceptable for your daughter?'."

Deborah's consultant has put in writing her serious concerns for her patient's welbeing.

In a document passed to the Telegraph the consultant states: "I am extremely concerned that she has said she is living an environment where there is black mould and dampness.

"Exposure to fungus will exacerbate her underlying respiratory symptoms and cause ongoing deterioration including reduced lung function.

"I am concerned that this could have contributed and could be actively contributing to her ongoing respiratory condition."

The consultant adds: "It also significantly increases her risk of infection when she is immunosuppressed.

"Due to her complex health conditions she would be at risk of death in the event that she had a fulminant systemic fungal infection."

Councillor Colin Jackson told how he has repeatedly demanded action from RCH over Deborah's plight.

He said: "Why is Deborah being left in a house that is killing her? It is there in a letter from the hospital. I am sick of River Clyde Home's excuses.

"These flats are not wind and water tight and they cannot be fixed unless there is investment. The flats are a disgrace.

"This brings shame on Greenock and on Inverclyde."

Deborah, who has the lung disease aspergillosis, has three children aged 22, 17 and 16.

She contracted tuberculosis in 2019 and required treatment for a year. On top of her lung disease she also has COPD, asthma and bronchictasis.

Deborah was moved out of the flat briefly while dampness was fixed in her living room, but the problems soon returned, spreading to the bathroom and kitchen.

After inspections were carried out last December the family were told that she would have to be moved to another property.

A house in Finnieston Street was identified in March but she is still waiting due to 'delays'.

Mum Agnes said: "I don't think we have time on our side. Deborah is just too ill now to speak for herself. It has affected her whole life.

"We have been so patient I have given them [RCH] every opportunity but I don't know what else to do.

"Every time I talk to someone at River Clyde Homes there is a delay. I have to go back and tell Deborah, and I can feel her getting worse every time.

"I spoke to someone [at RCH] on the phone the other day, I tried to tell her how ill Deborah was and she told me I should call a GP.

"We also have grandchildren living in the house, our grandson is 16 and is sitting his exams, my grand-daughter is 17. All our grandchildren have lived in the house at some point."

Agnes, who works full time said: "They [RCH] wanted to decant Deborah into another temporary house but she's too ill for that, and there's been constant delays in getting her new home sorted.

"She's already been moved out once before, and we just want her to have one permanent move."

A River Clyde Homes spokesperson said: “We have been liaising with Ms. Marshall and identified a suitable property which she was offered and accepted in March.  

"As agreed with Ms Marshall, internal and external works were scheduled to take place in this property over an approximate 12-week period and are currently being prioritised.

"An offer was made for Ms Marshall to move to temporary accommodation for the duration of these works, but this was refused.   

"Our team have been in weekly dialogue with Ms Marshall to keep her updated on the progress of these works and will continue to do so until the matter is resolved.

"While we apologise for the time taken for these necessary works, we are keen to ensure all works are complete in order Ms Marshall can move into her new tenancy safely."