A DISABLED veteran has been left heartbroken and angry at his housing association for failing to tackle the damp and mould in his home that is said to be making him ill.
Victor Newman moved into his bungalow in Hartley Wintney in 2012, but three years ago he noticed the conditions in the home began to deteriorate.
The damage in the 67-year-old's home started off as faulty drainage pipes in his bathroom, which flooded the garden, and led to him being without a working shower for 18 months.
Housing association Vivid stepped in to install a wetroom, in the hope to fix the issue and help with Victor's disability. However, he quickly discovered that the water didn’t drain properly and flooded his hallway.
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Since then, he has been in constant communication with Vivid, and has had his bathroom retiled and repainted on more than one occasion - but the problem hasn't been solved, with the leak spreading to his bedroom.
Victor has still been left with no resolution to the aftermath of the flooding, which has left his carpet and furniture ruined, as well as damp and condensation that has gotten worse through the colder months.
Victor served in the Coldstream Guards in the infantry for 23 years through various campaigns and wars until he left the army and became a lorry driver.
But after suffering from often and unexplainable nose bleeds, periods of confusion and blackouts, Victor was diagnosed with a chronic disorder called Gulf War Syndrome and was left unable to work.
Following Victor’s illness, losing his job and sadly being divorced from his wife, he described the damage to his home as the "story of his life".
He added: “I’m unable to sleep in my bed, I sleep in my chair in the living room with my dog because the damp affects my breathing too much. I just don't believe anyone is prepared to actually help me.
"My home is ruined, I had to throw away some of my furniture. This isn't a nice life and it's not one that I want to be living. I just want to be able to relax and feel warm in my own home again, but I can't do that until Vivid make the neccessary changes in my home."
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Victor's friend Mick Ide said he is concerned for the veteran's mental health. He explained that Victor was at the end of his tether and needs the help with his home that he deserves.
Head of property services at Vivid Carolyn Munns reassured that it will continue to work closely with Victor, Occupational Health and Environmental Health to address the concerns raised.
She added: "We understand a new toilet and bathroom flooring is due to be fitted in the coming months by Environmental Health although this relates to the specific needs of the gentleman.
"We have explained to Mr Newman the planned works for his bathroom and ensured that he is happy with what will be done."
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