Battle over damp council flat in Half Mile Close in Norwich

Sheree Wright, 28, was rehoused to allow repair work to take place but when she tried to return to the flat she discovered the locks had been changed.

The council apologised to the mum-of-four but said she was locked out for "health and safety reasons". 

Sheree said: "They've changed my locks without telling me. I still have some belongings inside that property.

Sheree Wright (left) with her four children (Image: Sheree Wright) "It is driving me mad. It is very stressful."

The mum has lived in a two-bed flat in Half Mile Close in NR3 with her children, aged between seven and one, since 2018 - and first reported issues with damp and mould shortly after.

She said: "I was told that it was just condensation. 

"Over the years I've had to keep replacing furniture and paid for the kid's room to be replastered myself.

The front door is surrounded by mould (Image: Sheree Wright) "My son is asthmatic and my daughter has developmental issues. It had been really tough."

Six years later and at the end of her tether, Sheree contacted a disrepair solicitor to have a look at the flat.

The report found damp and mould throughout the property, including "crumbling plaster and saturated electronic moisture meter readings" and "several areas of rotten skirtings and lifting floor finishes."

Most of the walls are damp or mouldy (Image: Sheree Wright) Norwich City Council has sent contractors to undertake the work outlined in the report compiled by the surveyor, but with her door locked, Sheree is worried that the extensive work won't be properly completed.

READ MORE: Woman locked in a battle over damp and mould in her flat

A spokesman for Norwich City Council said that the council understands that this situation has caused concern, and would like to reassure both Sheree and the wider community that they are actively addressing the issues, in line with the survey findings.

The ceiling is peeling and damaged (Image: Sheree Wright) He added: "We understand the frustration of being unable to access the property during this period.

"The change of locks was a necessary step for health and safety reasons while the works are ongoing, but we sincerely apologise for any lack of communication in this regard.

"We are happy to arrange access to the tenant for inspection purposes, with safety as a priority. The family will not be asked to return until the work has been completed.

"We remain fully committed to resolving this matter and ensuring that all of our properties provide a safe and comfortable living environment for our tenants."