Family-of-11 Trapped in Mould-Infested Council Flat for 5 Years Beg Housing Chiefs for Help
A desperate family of eleven say they’ve endured five long years of misery in a mould-ridden council flat — and they’re begging housing officials to finally step in.
Michelle Wilson, 47, her husband David, 60, and their nine children have been squeezed into a damp, four-bedroom first-floor flat in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, for 13 years. But what began as a place to call home has turned into a living nightmare as the property became plagued by damp and mould.
Michelle and David Wilson, along with their nine children, are stuck living in a cramped flat overwhelmed by mould and damp — a daily battle that’s taken a toll on their health and well-being.
Thick black mould carpets the family’s bathroom walls and ceiling, turning a basic necessity into a health hazard.
“We Just Want a Fresh Start” – Family-of-11 Trapped in Mouldy Flat for Years Plead for Help
A family of 11 say they’ve endured years of suffering in a mould-infested council flat — and despite repeated cries for help, they feel abandoned.
Michelle Wilson, 47, and husband David, 60, have been raising their nine children in a cramped four-bedroom council flat in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, for the past 13 years. But for the last six, their home has been plagued by relentless damp and black mould — a nightmare they say began after cavity wall insulation was installed.
“The flat is full of damp and mould,” said Michelle. “We’ve had multiple inspections and endless promises, but the problems just kept getting worse.”
The bathroom ceiling is covered in mould. Spores creep around window frames and across furniture. Even the mattresses aren’t spared.
Michelle suffers from chronic back pain, while David has been diagnosed with COPD and asthma. Both are registered disabled. “The mould and damp are making our conditions worse,” she added. “We’ve had to throw away countless beds, clothes, curtains, and belongings because of the damage.”
After years of complaints, the council finally moved the family into a temporary three-bedroom home so repairs could begin — a process expected to take six to eight weeks. But Michelle says she can’t bear the thought of returning.
“There was even a leak in the flat downstairs from our bathroom,” she said. “We’ve paid full rent for nearly 13 years — and for the past six, the place hasn’t even been fit to live in.”
Their youngest daughter, Amanda, 10, sleeps in her parents’ room. The eldest, Stuart, 28, has a small room of his own. The rest of the children — Chellie, 19, Kimberleigh, 18, Chelsea, 14, Allanna, 13, Jordan, 25, Jack, 21, and Niall, 16 — are squeezed into just two more bedrooms.
Michelle applied for a housing transfer years ago and says they’ve been on the waiting list with a high number of points. But the council continues to cite a housing shortage.
“We’re stuck in limbo,” she said. “It’s disgusting — the smell, the health risks. We just want a fresh start.”
In the meantime, the older children are scattering. Jordan is moving in with a friend, Jack is staying with his girlfriend, and Stuart — who works as a shop manager — is exploring other options.
“The amount of things we’ve lost is heartbreaking,” said Stuart. “Posters, DVDs, photos, bedding — all ruined. It feels like we’ve completely fallen through the cracks.”
David, who works as a ground worker, fears the repairs are just a temporary fix. “I’m worried they’ll patch it up and send us back into the same conditions,” he said.
Midlothian Council responded: “Staff are working with the tenant and the family to manage well-being and property issues. We continue to engage with the tenant through this process.”
