A family of six is “at breaking point” as children have been left “constantly ill in a mould infested flat”.

Clare Day, 32, has lived with her husband Rikki and their children in a two-bedroom flat in Anthony Close, Watford, for eight years, despite the family growing and mould becoming a health concern.

Thrive Homes, which acts as landlord and property manager for the flat, says it is supporting the family, but Mrs Day claims they are being made to feel like the problem is their fault.

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She said: “My children are constantly poorly and all our physical and mental health isn’t doing well.

“They say the mould is because of us living here but we keep the windows open and with the cost of living it’s really hard to put the heating on.

Watford Observer: A wall and mattress in the flatA wall and mattress in the flat (Image: Clare Day)

“We are constantly scrubbing the walls, but it just comes back.

“We did everything we were supposed to do but we are at breaking point. I don’t know what to do or who is going to help us.”

The family, who are now expecting a fifth child, have long been asking to be moved to a larger flat but claim they are always told no four-bedroom properties are available and they cannot be moved into a three-bedroom.

Watford Observer: Mould infested wallsMould infested walls (Image: Clare Day)

Mrs Day, who is a carer for her eight-year-old daughter who has special needs, explained that she has had to put beds in the front room and move her sons in with her and her husband to get them out of their “unlivable” bedroom.

Mould has reportedly been a problem since they moved into the flat but has worsened in recent years and over the winter, she claimed.

Assistant director at Thrive Homes Robert Berry said: “We are in contact with Ms Day about the mould issue and we are due to visit her on Friday 6th January to carry out an inspection.

“As a landlord and property manager we provide clear information to our customers on how to reduce condensation and prevent mould.

Watford Observer: Rikki Day, Clare Day, their childrenRikki Day, Clare Day, their children (Image: Clare Day)

“This winter we have been promoting guidance to customers on how to heat homes efficiently and information on support if they are facing financial difficulties.

“In addition to this, we have been working with Ms Day to assist her search for an alternative property via the two avenues open to her, which are mutual exchange and her local authority’s housing register.”