Outrage over state of home (From Barry And District News)

Outrage over state of home

A PREGNANT Barry woman and her partner believed they had a bright future ahead of them, with two weeks until the birth of their baby and plans to move into a new home.

But their dream was shattered when the property they were offered as part of the Homes4U scheme was left in a "disgusting state" by previous tenants.

Rebecca Chick, 21, and Andrew Day, 40, who were offered the home in Stratford Green, were outraged when they saw its condition.

Andrew said: "There were still dirty nappies stuffed into holes in the wall. It was like walking into a squat.

"The girl was showing us around and I just wanted to get out."

The couple then claim they were told they risked being taken off the housing list if they refused the flat.

Andrew blasted: "She said: 'if you don't take the property, you will be off the housing list, you could be waiting 12-18 months'. We've got a baby on the way. We believe we were blackmailed."

The couple insist they complained to Homes4U.

Rebecca said: "They gave us two pots of paint and two paint brushes and that's it. But the walls are awful. You can't paint on them. They need sanding and wallpaper.

"They should have sorted all of this before we moved in, how can they expect us to live in this.

"I wouldn't even bring a cat or dog in here, you can't be expected to bring a child up in here. We're staying with our parents until it's sorted out."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokeswoman said: "The council has no record of any complaint from Mr Day and Miss Chick relating to the condition of their property, nor did they raise any concerns during their original viewing. The council's tenants and residents board has declared the property of a suitable standard and condition to live in, as with all our properties."