A DISABLED Greenock woman who fears dampness is set to seep into her home is threatening to take legal action against Inverclyde's largest housing association.

Helen McGoldrick has been locked in a lengthy dispute with River Clyde Homes over discoloured cladding material at her block of flats.

She is worried that water will enter her property because of it and is angry that no action has been taken. 

Helen, who owns her flat in Prospecthill Street, first complained to RCH as factors about the issue with the exterior of the building as far back back as December 2022.

Ms McGoldrick claims she has never been proactively contacted by RCH since she turned to the Tele about the issue last November, and has had to contact the housing association herself. 

RCH has asserted that the blackening of the external wall insulation, which has become more noticeable over recent months, is down to 'everyday weathering', but Ms McGoldrick is concerned water will eventually make its way into her flat. 

As the impasse escalates, Helen now says that if water seeps into her home as she fears, then she will sue the social landlord.

Greenock Telegraph:
The 59-year-old homeowner, who has lived in the property for more than 20 years, said: "The black staining is sitting right between my bedroom and living room windows. 

"There are other parts of it all along the block as well.

"I want someone to come out and fix it.

"They should be ashamed of themselves.

"If the water starts coming into the bedroom and living room window, I'll see them in court."

Ms McGoldrick believes the discoloured cladding could be due to a problem with the gutters on the building. 

RCH bosses have said that checks are planned for the guttering, but they insist this it is not connected to the blackened cladding.

Ms McGoldrick, who recently had a cornea transplant, lives with a range of health problems including carpal tunnel syndrome in her right hand, hardening of the arteries on the backs of her legs, and stomach issues. 

Greenock Telegraph:

She said: "I am classed as vulnerable. I feel like I'm taking on River Clyde Homes on my own."

Bosses at RCH maintain that the discolouration of the cladding is 'natural' rather than being indicative of damp. 

A spokesperson said: "We sympathise with Mrs McGoldrick's concerns, however, we reiterate that the building is structurally sound. 

"Any weathering of the cladding is natural and there has been no instance of water ingress reported. 

"Cleaning works would only be undertaken with the consent of all owners in the building, with an agreement to share costs; at present we have no indication of this being the case.

"A job remains active for an inspection of the guttering which requires specialised equipment and will be undertaken in due course."