A frustrated dad says his dream first family home is being ruined by mould and damp issues – and claims the council have failed to listen to his pleas for help.

Darren Jackson has lived in his three-bedroom council house in Long Riding, Basildon, for two-and-a-half years.

From the moment Darren his wife and two kids moved in they noticed mould and damp issues with a downstairs wall at the back of house.

The 38-year-old who suffers from asthma says the issue leaves him feeling unwell – as does his 12-year-old son has the same condition.

“This is supposed to be our ‘forever home’. We were in a flat before with the two kids and we finally got a council place where the kids can have their own rooms, as they were sharing before in a converted living room,” Darren said.

“It took us a while to get this place and we want to make good of it. We like living here it’s a nice area, but the mould is just getting us down.”

And the father-of-two says the council and various contractors have been over several times to sort the issue, but always go with a ‘cheap’ fix which fails to properly address the cause of the mould.

“A guy once turned up with a bottle of anti-mould spray and packet of what looked like wet wipes, and there was no way that was going to be enough,” an exasperated Darren said.

“I believe it’s to do with costs. If I were ever to miss my monthly rent, I would be getting threatening letters about eviction or phone calls chasing money. When there is something wrong in the house, it’s a chasing game.”

Basildon Council confirmed they had scheduled another inspection for tomorrow (August 18) when contacted by the Echo about Darren’s predicament.

The council has pledged to ‘immediately’ schedule the required work to fix the issue, which is causing Darren health problems.

“I’ve had asthma since I was three years old, and he’s had it for five years. It’s not as bad as mine but we both flare up in the house and I think it’s to do with the mould. Every now and then when I’m walking around I feel chesty,” he said.

“It’s just an ongoing battle. And when you’re working, have a child, a family, it’s just something you shouldn’t have to deal with on top of everything else.”

A Basildon Council spokesperson said: “We’re sorry that Mr Jackson has been experiencing issues at his property. It is not acceptable to have these problems in your home.

“A supervisor inspection is booked for August 18, where they will identify all work required to address the problem. This work will then be scheduled immediately.”