Couple say mould is 'eating' the furniture in their bungalow

A couple say damp and mould in their bungalow is so bad it has 'eaten' their furniture and is making their health battles worse.

For eight years, Dawn and Tony Willis have been blighted by black mould that has been allowed to grow in the bedrooms of their bungalow in Cranswick, near Driffield, in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

They say they have been told during inspection visits that it is due to condensation from breathing, HullLive reports.

The couple, who have lived in their home for 11 years, say they've noticed their sinuses have become 'bunged up' and they are both worried the situation could be making their pre-existing health conditions worse.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said work was due to start on the property soon to address the issues.

Former nurse Dawn, 53, suffers from rheumatoid arthritis as well as being in remission for cancer, while mechanic Tony also has a lung condition.

But the pair say they can't move from the property for financial reasons, as well as Dawn struggling with a bad back from a head-on car crash she was in over 20 years ago.

Bedrooms at Dawn and Tony's bungalow are so mouldy that it's eating through their furniture (Duncan Young)

Dawn said: "It started eight years ago in the two bedrooms and it's just got worse.

"The little bedroom is now just black and the wallpaper is peeling away. We've had to throw out our own furniture because of it and you can smell it when you walk in - it's disgusting.

"It's even eaten through the back of a wardrobe which was against the wall.

"We don't know what we're breathing in."

Dawn and Tony Willis have been experiencing terrible mould problems in their council bungalow for eight years (Duncan Young)

Dawn and Tony have had a council inspector out 14 times over the eight years and have tried various DIY solutions.

They claim they were told the problem is caused by condensation from breathing mixed with dead skin, as well as having furniture "only an inch from the walls".

They're now seeking legal advice.

A spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which rents the property to the couple, said: "Following a recent inspection at the property, work will shortly begin to address the issues identified.

"We will maintain contact during and following the work at the property with the tenants to ensure these issues are resolved in a satisfactory manner."