A 62-year-old resident of Newport has spoken out about what she describes as unacceptable living conditions at her home, stating that ongoing issues including sewage odours, damp, water leaks, deteriorating flooring and possible asbestos exposure are having a detrimental impact on her wellbeing and leaving her with severe respiratory difficulties.
Gillian Daniel has occupied the property, which falls under the management of Hedyn Homes, since August 2024 and maintains that she has raised her concerns about the state of the accommodation on multiple occasions.
According to Ms Daniel, the property has been plagued by sewage-related problems, persistent damp, offensive smells and flooring that has suffered significant damage.
She reports that suspected asbestos materials have also been identified within the dwelling.
Due to the pervasive odour, she indicates that she frequently finds it necessary to keep doors and windows open throughout the property.
Ms Daniel, who has pre-existing pulmonary conditions and relies on medication, believes the circumstances within the home are exacerbating her existing health problems.
She tells the Argus that the smell causes drowsiness, headaches and throat irritation.
She reports developing significant oral health issues since taking up residence at the property.
She states that she has been unable to obtain proper rest since moving in because of breathing difficulties.
Ms Daniel explains that she requires medication for her lungs as something within the property appears to be causing fluid accumulation in her respiratory system, resulting in persistent coughing.
The resident explains that she also uncovered serious deterioration beneath the carpeting.
She describes discovering that the underlying floor structure had given way when she lifted part of the carpet to investigate.
Photographs submitted to the Argus appear to depict areas of material damage and staining throughout various parts of the property.
Ms Daniel provided the Argus with a drainage inspection report pertaining to the property.
The document indicates that the occupant had reported persistent unpleasant smells along with damp or decaying timber in the hallway area.
Following a closed-circuit television examination of the drainage system, the contractor documented a significant failure of the internal soil stack located between the ground and first floor levels, positioned approximately two to three metres from ground level.
While the report did not definitively confirm this fault as the direct cause of the resident’s complaints, it stated that the defect represented compelling evidence of a probable source.
The report further noted that a loose connection or rupture in a soil pipe could permit noxious smells and moisture to escape into the property.
The document recommended further examination, including potential exposure of the internal soil pipe if required, followed by remedial work carried out to appropriate standards.
According to the assessment, the remaining foul drainage lines inspected were found to be in satisfactory condition with no additional problems or defects identified.
Documentation provided by Ms Daniel also indicates that she approached the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales regarding her concerns during 2024.
In correspondence dated November 19 2024, Ms Daniel reported damp conditions, decaying wood and serious breathing difficulties while residing at the property.
She informed the Ombudsman that she was employing an air conditioning unit, fan and other equipment in addition to keeping windows and doors open due to feeling unable to breathe adequately indoors.
An investigation officer from the Ombudsman subsequently communicated to Ms Daniel that they regretted hearing about her health difficulties and would seek additional information from the housing association before proceeding with further consideration of the case.
Ms Daniel indicates that her difficulties with the housing situation extend back to August 2024.
She states that she has been pursuing resolution of these problems for several years and expresses feelings of exhaustion and uncertainty about what further action she can take.
She is seeking immediate attention to the property’s deficiencies and maintains that she should either be temporarily relocated to alternative suitable accommodation while remedial work is carried out, or provided with alternative housing altogether.
A representative for Hedyn Homes stated that the organisation treats reports about the condition of its properties with the utmost seriousness and has looked into the matters raised by the resident.
The spokesperson indicated that the company’s inquiries have not uncovered evidence supporting the presence of sewage-related problems within the property or garden area.
The housing provider affirmed its commitment to working constructively with residents to investigate concerns and resolve any issues that are identified.