Watford Community Housing pays £14k to asbestos exposed mum

The Watford-based mum said she was forced to sleep in the living room because the dangerous material was in her bedroom.

Asbestos is a fibre-like material that can cause cancers and lung conditions if it is damaged and exposed.

Read More

• 'Disgusting' Herts police officer jailed for raping child four times
• Way forward agreed for under threat museum after 'community up in arms'

According to the woman, the hazardous material was exposed when Watford Community Housing (WCH), which owns the home, left work in a dangerous state in her four-bedroom home.

The 58-year-old woman said: “I’d recommend that anyone living in disrepair act upon it and seek legal advice.

“My whole family was subject to living in the property with exposed asbestos.”

Having complained numerous times to WCH since 2016, with the issues not being resolved, she turned to legal help in November 2020. It resulted in the compensation and a full apology from the association.

After years of worry, her solicitors successfully secured compensation and ensured all works were brought up to legal standards

For the house to be made safe, her legal team, High Street Solicitors, ordered a survey of the property to understand the extend of the damage.

It revealed her bedroom ceiling had been left in a poor state and that there was exposed asbestos in her bedroom caused by a leak from the wetroom above.

Gaffer tape was used to seal off any cracks. Picture: High Street Solicitors (Image: High Street Solicitors)

A piece of plywood had been screwed into her bedroom ceiling where the damage from the leak had occurred, but other parts of the ceiling where cracks had started forming were sealed with gaffer tape.

In addition, in August 2020, a pipe in the hallway burst exposing further asbestos. The hallway walls had water damage and the wallpaper was peeling.

A WCH spokesperson said: “We appreciate that on this occasion we have not met the high standards of customer service that we strive for.

“We want all our customers to feel safe and proud of their home and we apologise wholeheartedly to the affected party who has been let down in this instance.

“The issue has now been resolved and the outstanding repairs have been completed.”

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.

Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.