Penarth family expecting a baby living in 'poor conditions'

Amel Dervisic, of Queens Road in Penarth, says he is ‘disgusted’ by the council’s lack of action over mould and damp in his flat. 

He lives in a two-bedroom flat with his wife Amy Dervisic, who is nearly 38 weeks pregnant, and their two children. 

On Thursday, October 29th at around 4.50pm, the family discovered their home was flooding with water due to a leak. 

The flat had previously had problems with mould and damp, but after the incident, the mould rapidly worsened, said the father. 

The mould and damp in the family home (Image: Supplied) In photographs and a video, the water damage to the children's bedroom can be seen right above where they would normally sleep. 

The mother, who is nearly 38 weeks pregnant, has had to share a bed with her two children while the husband slept on the sofa.  

In this stressful time, the young family say they should be focusing on preparing for the arrival of their baby who is due any day now. 

We should be sitting here talking to the baby, I should be able to go to work and provide for my family,” said the father. 

The family have had to put in noise complaints to the council about their neighbours partying until 3am, but they say the council ‘just didn’t care’. 

The family with the two young children (Image: Supplied) The father who says they have now been moved to temporary accommodation, smaller than their initial flat, said:

“We have never been so disgusted in our entire lives. The council needs to focus on public housing.

They need to do better and stop patting themselves on the back.” 

The council has moved the family to temporary accommodation, but the family say it is even smaller than their current flat. 

A spokesperson for the Vale of Glamorgan Council said:

“The council was made aware of a recent water leak and attended the property in question on an emergency basis.  

“The leak has been fixed, but extensive damage was caused to Mr and Mrs Dervisic’s flat.  

“In light of this and the fact Mrs Dervisic is pregnant, it was agreed they would move into temporary alternative accommodation. 

“A property has been identified and the council has organised for the family’s possessions to be moved. 

“Work to repair damage to their previous property will be carried out whilst the family is away. 

“The housing team is aware of a noise issue reported back in the summer and visits were carried out at that time.  

“More recently, another report was made, and follow-up action is underway.  

“The tenants have access to a noise recording facility and out of hours concerns can be reported by calling 101.

"Any issues reported are followed up council staff the next day.”