A MUM is pleading for help to tackle the “thick black mould” covering walls and ceilings in her home which she fears is impacting on her children’s health.

Severe mould has “taken over the home” of Southend resident Shannon Neil, and she fears her repeated calls for help from Estuary Housing have been ignored.

The situation is so bad she now worries the mould in her Sutton Road home is impacting her children’s health with one of her children suffering from asthma.

She claims he “only coughs when he is in the home”.

The mum-of-two says she has been visited by Estuary Housing who have told her a building defect is leading to the mould, but nothing is being done.

Estuary Housing has insisted it is in regular communication with Shannon.

Shannon said: “I barely sleep because I am so worried about my boys. My kids’ health is now suffering because of it. As extreme as it sounds, I worry one is going to get seriously ill. My youngest is now on a steroid asthma pump to try and help his cough and breathing. He doesn’t cough much outside the flat but he coughs a lot inside and throws up.

“I can’t move them to another room as every room has mould in other than the bathroom. I am exhausted from worrying about them all the time.”

Shannon claims a previous report from a surveyor says it is down to a building defect and that Estuary Housing has repeatedly told her they will help, but no action has been taken.

Shannon added: “I have been told time and time again that the mould is really bad, after surveyors have come out, yet nothing has been done. I have mould coming across the ceilings, and the walls. I have been told by the surveyors none of this is my fault, I am doing everything right to try and prevent it, but I need help.”

A spokesman for Estuary Housing said: “Our repairs team last visited the property on January 26, and we have been in communication with the customer regarding scheduling some works to improve the ventilation flow to the home. In addition, works have been carried out to reinsulate the flooring.

“We understand the impact that mould growth issues can have on residents and the concern that these can cause. Ensuring the continued safety and wellbeing of our customers is our top priority and we are actively working to address the causes of this matter as swiftly as possible.”