A mother who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder is being “forced to live with mould” whilst dealing with drug addicts on her doorstep. 

Michelle Allen, of Festival Court, says she has been living amongst mould for over a year- with her kids Levi, 5, and Hunter, 2.

Miss Allen is struggling with her mental health and says her son Hunter's asthma developed after they moved in.

She told the Sutton Guardian how her living conditions are made worse by drug addicts who reportedly stop her from entering her two-bedroom flat.

Your Local Guardian: Picture taken of a person blocking entry to Miss Allen's flatPicture taken of a person blocking entry to Miss Allen's flat

Miss Allen said: "I'm constantly worrying about my son's asthma.

"I'm sleeping in the living room as the mould is out of control in my bedroom - we need a fresh start."

She added: "I worry that a drug user could attack me or my children, I feel unsafe living here. 

"My PTSD has got worse. I get jumpy to any noise and sound.

"We should feel safe in our own home."

Your Local Guardian:

Miss Allen went onto say that her housing association has ignored her pleas to move and reportedly told her that a doctor's letter is not enough proof.

In a letter seen by the Sutton Guardian, Miss Allen's doctor surgery recommended that she should be rehoused into a more "suitable accommodation".

It was confirmed Miss Allen suffers from PTSD and is under the mental health team at the surgery.

Your Local Guardian:

On January 27, 2021, the letter stated: "I understand the accommodation she lives in is very unhealthy and has mould everywhere in the house. 

"Her son Hunter suffers from asthma and this is affecting this.

"Miss Allen tells me that the environment outside her house is worrying and drug addicts around.

"This is affecting her mental health and very tearful and low in mood.

"I believe this situation has aggravated her condition.

"I would support her application to be rehoused to more suitable accommodation which will help her mental health."

Your Local Guardian:

Sutton Guardian contacted Miss Allen's housing association, in response, a spokesperson for Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing said: "Mrs. Allen has made an application to move due to health reasons and as such, we have assisted her in getting the relevant health assessment needed and we continue to work with her to ensure that she receives the support that she needs. 

"We take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously, and are taking action on the ASB report made by the resident to ensure that Festival Court is a safe and secure place for our residents. 

"Incidents of criminal behaviour should in the first instance be reported to the relevant authorities."