Health News - Mum forced to live in single room with four children due to ‘drains’ problem

Published: 28 October, 2010
by TOM FOOT

A FAMILY of six have been “squashed” into a single room because Camden Council are refusing to tackle a strange smell in their home.

Saida Mahamoud was forced to move in with her sister in Tufnell Park six weeks ago and believes the cramped and chaotic conditions are better than risking the health of her four young children.

The 40-year-old moved into her “dream home” in Barnfield on Upper Park Hill Road, Belsize Park, in May after a harassment claim was upheld – but days later a foul stench began to overwhelm the three-bedroom flat.

The Town Hall’s housing department have so far refused accept there is a significant problem, despite Ms Mahamoud’s doctor writing a letter warning “all the children are having problems with nasal congestion”.

It means a much sought-after property in upmarket Belsize Park is currently lying empty while a family is crushed into a shoebox studio flat.

Ms Mahamoud, who studied pharmacology at University College London, said: “One of my son’s health has really deteriorated. His skin has changed and he is always blocked up. It is like a plasticky burning smell – it is clearly some sort of chemical.

“When the council showed me the flat they had all the windows open and I didn’t notice anything. 

“But after a few days it became unbearable. I made a formal complaint – but they do nothing. 

“Now I am homeless with my children and it is difficult. The school is a long way for us – it is two buses. Nobody’s ­taking responsibility – the council are in denial.”

The New Journal can confirm the powerful smell in Upper Park Road has not been ex­aggerated by Ms Mahamoud, despite the council claiming the problem is fixed.

A Town Hall spokeswoman said: “The council identified a problem with defective drainage to the property and this has now been corrected. However, it may take some time for residual smells to disperse as the property has double-glazed windows and ­natural ventilation is limited.

“Unfortunately, we cannot install additional mechanical extract ventilation because the property has listed status. So that the residents can return home as soon as possible, the council will commission a specialist clean of the property.”