Angry residents 'left to rot' at a mould-infested tower block in Birmingham

  • 2 years ago
Angry residents have told how they have been "left to rot" at a mould-infested tower block where mice fall from the CEILING and leaking roofs let rain pour in. Locals living at Jordan House in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham say their lives are being made a living hell after being forced to live in horrific conditions. More than 50 families reside at the high-rise where it "literally rains indoors" and has mould so thick it can "almost be tasted". They claim they are being forced to live in unsafe conditions due to the threat of leaking water getting into the electrics at the building, which is also infested with mice. Residents say they have had little or no support from Birmingham City Council and feel like they have "simply been left to rot". Chase Simper, 26, who lives with his partner Tammy Hill, 29, says he fears for the health of their two children Mason, seven, and four-year-old Cody. The former warehouse worker said a mouse even landed on his shoulder after dropping from a lift shaft while one of his sons had found a mouse in his BED at night. The couple say they also have to heat their children's clothes up in the morning using a hair dryer because they are so damp and they have no working heating. Chase, who has started a petition calling on the council to rehome residents, said: "It is a living nightmare and I am at the end of my tether. "The place is also infested with mice. Two weeks ago one fell from the ceiling in the lift and bounced off my shoulder onto the floor. It's horrendous. "One night, one of the boys came running to me because there was a mouse in his bed. That’s why we got a cat, to get rid of the mice, I don't even like animals. A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of resident’s petition regarding Jordan House and apologise for any inconvenience our refurbishment works have caused. "However, these are essential to ensure the property is maintained to a good standard. "Regarding the roof leak, a new temporary roof covering is being installed on Friday of this week before a new roof is fitted as part of the wider major works. Our pest control officer will work with the residents to eradicate any rodents. "Regarding the internal works to properties, 95 per cent of the tenants' flats have now been completed (this includes a new Kitchen/ Bathroom/Electrical re-wiring/New heating systems/sprinklers and smoke alarms and a new fire rated door entrance). "There was a delay in completing the works due to a change in contractor, but they are now in place and they will be fitting a new roof and completing any outstanding structural works, both internally externally, within the next few weeks. "To bring the block up to the current regulations regarding fire safety standards, a new thermally-efficient external wall insulation will need to be fitted. "In order for this to take place and to minimise the disruption to tenants, Birmingham City Council will look at decanting the affected customer to another floor of the block if space is available or moving them into nearby temporary accommodation whilst these works are undertaken."